Abstract: Various embodiments of a system and method related to a topology and routing model for a peer-to-peer network are disclosed. A plurality of nodes may be coupled to each other to form a peer-to-peer network. A routing table may be created on each node in the peer-to-peer network. Each node may be operable to route messages to other nodes in the peer-to-peer network using information stored in the routing table. Messages may be propagated among nodes in the peer-to-peer network in a decentralized manner. For example, the peer-to-peer network may not utilize centralized servers of any kind. Each node in the peer-to-peer network may perform substantially the same routing functionality.

Abstract: A system and method for handling un-partitioning of a computer network are disclosed. Routing information may be stored on a first node in the network when the network is partitioned into a first group of nodes and a second group of nodes, where the first node is in the first group of nodes. Storing the routing information on the first node may include storing information usable to route messages to nodes in the first group of nodes. A technique for determining when the second group of nodes has become un-partitioned from the first group of nodes (i.e., for determining when the partition has been repaired) may be employed. In response to determining that the second group of nodes has become un-partitioned from the first group of nodes, the routing information on the first node may be modified. Modifying the routing information on the first node may include storing information useable to route messages to nodes in the second group of nodes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a means to support new and modified platforms without the need to modify the system software kernel. The invention uses an approach referred to as Platform Service Agents (PSAs). The PSA works with the bus manager of the system software for that platform variant and modifies the system resources as needed. The PSA isolates specifics of the platform, so that the bus manager need not be modified. Because the PSAs themselves are outside of the kernel, are downloadable, and easily created for platform variants, new platforms can be supported without modification or re-release of the system software kernel.