Abstract: The invention provides multicast communication using distributed topologies in a network. The control nodes in the network build a distributed topology of processor nodes for providing multicast packet distribution. Multiple processor nodes in the network participate in the decisions regarding the forwarding of multicast packets as opposed to multicast communications being centralized in the control nodes.

Abstract: A platform for and method of computer processing to support processor failover are disclosed. A plurality of computer processors are connected to an internal communication network. A virtual local area communication network over the internal network is defined and established. Each computer processor in the virtual local area communication network has a corresponding virtual MAC address and the virtual local area network provides communication among a set of computer processors but excludes the processors from the plurality not in the defined set. A virtual storage space is defined and established with a defined correspondence to the address space of the storage network. In response to a failure by a computer processor, a computer processor from the plurality is allocated to replace the failed processor. The MAC address of the failed processor is assigned to the processor that replaces the failed processor.

Abstract: A platform for and method of computer processing to support processor failover are disclosed. A plurality of computer processors are connected to an internal communication network. A virtual local area communication network over the internal network is defined and established. Each computer processor in the virtual local area communication network has a corresponding virtual MAC address and the virtual local area network provides communication among a set of computer processors but excludes the processors from the plurality not in the defined set. A virtual storage space is defined and established with a defined correspondence to the address space of the storage network. In response to a failure by a computer processor, a computer processor from the plurality is allocated to replace the failed processor. The MAC address of the failed processor is assigned to the processor that replaces the failed processor.

Abstract: A platform and method of deploying virtual processing areas networks are described. A plurality of computer processors are connected to an internal communication network. At least one control node is in communication with an external communication network and an external storage network has an external storage address space. The at least one control node is connected to the internal network and thereby is in communication with the plurality of computer processors. Configuration logic defines and establishes a virtual processing area network having a corresponding set of computer processors from the plurality of processors, a virtual local area communication network providing communication among the set of computer processors, and a virtual storage space with a defined correspondence to the address space of the storage network.

Abstract: A virtual networking system and method are disclosed. Switched Ethernet local area network semantics are provided over an underlying point to point mesh. Computer processor nodes may directly communicate via virtual interfaces over a switch fabric or they may communicate via an ethernet switch emulation. Address resolution protocol logic helps associate IP addresses with virtual interfaces while allowing computer processors to reply to ARP requests with virtual MAC addresses.

Abstract: A virtual networking system and method are disclosed. Switched Ethernet local area network semantics are provided over an underlying point to point mesh. Computer processor nodes may directly communicate via virtual interfaces over a switch fabric or they may communicate via an ethernet switch emulation. Address resolution protocol logic helps associate IP addresses with virtual interfaces while allowing computer processors to reply to ARP requests with virtual MAC addresses.

Abstract: A platform for and method of computer processing to support processor failover are disclosed. A plurality of computer processors are connected to an internal communication network. A virtual local area communication network over the internal network is defined and established. Each computer processor in the virtual local area communication network has a corresponding virtual MAC address and the virtual local area network provides communication among a set of computer processors but excludes the processors from the plurality not in the defined set. A virtual storage space is defined and established with a defined correspondence to the address space of the storage network. In response to a failure by a computer processor, a computer processor from the plurality is allocated to replace the failed processor. The MAC address of the failed processor is assigned to the processor that replaces the failed processor.

Abstract: Liquid heating systems employing a circulating oil which is forced through a baffle having restricting orifices, so as to develop heat of friction and shear. The system is characterized by the employment of a plurality of orifices in the restricting baffle, each orifice being angularly disposed with respect to the axis of flow. The oil is heated by frictional impact of restricted flow through the orifices. The angular disposition of the orifices effects supplemental heating of the oil by the shear effect of the pressurized oil advancing through the static or depressurized oil adjacent the anterior side of the baffle.

Abstract: A toothbrush comprising a handle unit and a detachable brush. The handle contains a manually controlled, spring latching mechanism for retaining and ejecting the brush. The handle also contains a detachable storage section for capsules or other forms of toothpaste, toothpowder, etc.