Abstract: A test apparatus for testing an information processing apparatus includes a control unit connected to the control signal line through the connector unit to receive command information from the processing unit to execute the program, and a switching unit connected to the control unit to connect the second communication signal line and the fourth communication signal line under the control of the control unit.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing a control system for a stacked battery. The control system comprises a plurality of processors, a plurality of controllers, and a monitoring unit (control unit). The method comprises sending a diagnostic information from the central unit to a top processor of the plurality of processors, transmitting a return information from the top processor of the plurality of processors to the central unit, comparing the diagnostic information sent from the central unit with the return information received by the central unit, and indicating a communication problem if the diagnostic information sent from the central unit is different from the return information received by the central unit. The steps are repeated by eliminating the top processor from a previous cycle and assigning a new top processor if there is no problem with the reconfigurable communication system.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of testing a device for use in a storage area network (SAN) system includes receiving recorded messages including messages from a host and from a storage array and messages to a host and to a storage array, sending the recorded messages from the host and the storage array to a device under test, receiving messages from the device under test in response to the recorded messages sent and determining whether the device under test functions identically to a validated device based on the messages from the device under test being substantially identical to the recorded messages.

Abstract: A storage system has a controller and a plurality of storage devices connected to a pair of loops, the controller diagnoses storage devices and performs automatic high-speed restoration of the loops. A storage system has a controller, a plurality of storage devices, and switch circuits having a plurality of switches to connect each of the plurality of storage devices to loops. When a loop anomaly is detected, a restoration instruction is issued to a switch circuit, the plurality of switches are operated in parallel, storage devices are diagnosed, and according to the diagnosis results, a storage device judged to be anomalous are bypassed from the loop by operating the switches. When a loop anomaly is detected, diagnosis of the disk drives connected to the loop can be performed in parallel, so that the time until automatic restoration of the loop can be greatly reduced.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for diagnosing a CableCARD-related status and performing proper processing according to the diagnosis result in an OpenCable system; an OpenCable host; and an OpenCable reception apparatus. The CableCARD-related status diagnosis and processing apparatus includes: a diagnosis unit diagnosing the CableCARD-related status or a network-related status; and a processor performing processing according to the status determined from the diagnosis result. Therefore, by installing a software-processing logic against critical errors or definite faults in a television or a set-top box in an OpenCable system, it is possible to diagnose a CableCARD-related status and quickly handle the CableCARD when an error is generated in the CableCARD, thereby reducing costs to service providers and providing an improvement in service quality to users.

Abstract: In a case where a failure has occurred in one of fabric management mechanisms, nodes resume data I/O communications without degrading performance and without changing the data I/O communication path between the nodes by switching control to the other one of the fabric management mechanisms. The fabric management mechanisms share management information with each other. When a failure occurs in either of the fabric management mechanisms, an E_Node that belongs to the domain, in which a failure has occurred, logs into a normal fabric management mechanism via a newly created management-use communication path. The normal fabric management mechanism allocates an N_Port_ID on the basis of a virtual FC domain number that has been allocated to a switch.

Abstract: Hardware faults in data storage systems are diagnosed. User I/O errors are received. Disk drive port error counters, primary port error counters, and expansion port error counters are read. A user I/O error threshold is modified based on the error counter readings. Depending on the type of errors counted, the user I/O error threshold may be increased or decreased. Once a first quantity of user I/O errors exceeds the modified user I/O error threshold, a faulty component is identified.

Abstract: Service providers strive to maintain networks with high levels of availability and performance. To maintain the networks, the service providers measure performance and perform network diagnostics. Measuring performance and performing network diagnostics typically involves manual verification of functionality or performing individual tests between user agents. Service providers who maintain networks and service providers who use networks can dynamically run tests with operations of a signaling protocol (e.g., session initiation protocol) to diagnose network problems and determine appropriate responses. An agent manager can coordinate the dynamic tests across multiple user agents to gather more information to increase problem diagnosis accuracy.

Abstract: A system and method of providing driver software to a test controller to facilitate testing by a wireless transceiver tester of a device under test (DUT). Using the wireless transceiver tester, executable tester instructions are accessed from one or more computer readable media and in accordance therewith bi-directional signal communications are established between the wireless transceiver tester and the test controller, and between the wireless transceiver tester and the DUT. Further accessed are executable driver instructions, including a plurality of executable driver program instructions for driving at least one of the wireless transceiver tester and the DUT, which are communicated to the test controller.

Abstract: An I/O device includes a host interface that may be configured to receive and process a plurality of transaction packets sent by a number of processing units, with each processing unit corresponding to a respective root complex. The host interface includes an error handling unit having error logic implemented in hardware that may be configured to determine whether each transaction packet has an error and to store information corresponding to any detected errors within a storage. More particularly, the error handling unit may perform the error detection and capture of the error information as the transaction packets are received, or in real time, while the error handling unit may include firmware that may subsequently process the information corresponding to the detected errors.

Abstract: A method of setting up a communication procedure between instances, one of which is a protocol tester that uses the method, includes the steps of selecting the instances, selecting a protocol layer for the communication procedure, selecting abstract communication interfaces for the protocol layer; selecting communication data and automatically setting up the communication procedure on the basis of the results of the selecting steps. Any of the selecting steps may be performed graphically, and parameters selected are assigned description files that are used in the setting up step.

Abstract: A probe (hereinafter also referred to as a breakpoint) can be added into source code of an application program. The probe can be exported to a file or any other form of storage. The probe is then associated with a unique test case for the application program thereby creating a direct mapping between the application program and the test case for the application program. In one embodiment, the probe can be added to at least one of a function or module of the application program.

Abstract: A method for recovery from uncorrectable errors in an information handling system including an operating system (OS) and one or more network interface cards (NICs) is provided. The method may include detecting an uncorrectable error; determining whether the uncorrectable error is isolated to a particular NIC; determining whether the particular NIC is teamed with one or more other NICs; and notifying the OS of a successful recovery from the uncorrectable error if it is determined that (a) the uncorrectable error is isolated to a particular NIC, and (b) the particular NIC is teamed with one or more other NICs.

Abstract: A set of log entries is automatically inspected to determine a bug. A training set is utilized to determine clustering of log identifications. Log entries are examined in real-time or retroactively and matched to clusters. Timeframe may also be matched to a cluster based on log entries associated with the timeframe. Error indications may be outputted to a user of the system in respect to a log entry or a timeframe.

Abstract: A method is used in determining alternate paths in faulted systems. It is detected that a first processor has a problem accessing a target. The first processor has a first path to the target. An alternate path to the target is determined by identifying that a second processor has better access to the target than the first processor. The second processor has a second path to the target. Responsibility for I/O communication with the target is transferred from the first processor to the second processor. Responsibility for I/O communication with the target is transferred back to the first processor upon resolution of the problem.

Abstract: Disclosed are an approach form managing and assigning addresses in a connectivity platform that allows for proprietary connectivity modules (Providers) to plug into the operating system. In this disclosure, when a user/application/computing device, connects to another user on another computing device an address is generated for that user. However, because of a limited number of addresses that are available in an address space, it is necessary to ensure that a conflicting address is not present. To ensure this the connectivity platform determines if the address assigned is in conflict with another address associated with users that are located on the other computing devices. If an address is found to be in conflict the connectivity platform reassigns the address until a non-conflicting address is found. If a non-conflicting address cannot be found the connectivity platform blocks the connection between the user and the other user.

Abstract: A root port connection functioning as a PCI express bridge, and having a PCI express path constituting a PCI express tree having a PCI express device or switch; when detecting a failure on a PCI express path, a PCI express device or switch transmits a failure signal; the root port transmits an SMI responsive to the failure signal; the CPU executes the BIOS responsive to the SMI; the BIOS collects a log of the PCI express path where failure is detected, analyzes the collected log to judge failure type, and upon a fatal failure on the PCI express path, resets the PCI express tree downstream of the root port that received the failure signal, and upon a non-fatal failure on the PCI express path, resets the PCI express device in which the failure occurred; and the CPU closes the reset PCI express device by executing the device driver.

Abstract: In a method for analyzing integrality of serial attached SCSI (SAS) signals using a computing device, the computing device connects to a signal measuring device and an electronic device. A group of test parameters, an intensity grade of a SAS signal, and a total number are set for evaluating integrality of the SAS signal. The intensity grade of the SAS signal is adjusted through an SAS interface of the electronic device. The signal measuring device measures test parameters of the SAS signal, and a test number is recorded when the test parameters of the SAS are measured. The method analyzes the integrality of the SAS signal to find an optimal SAS signal when the test number equals the total number, and determines an intensity grade of the optimal SAS signal as a driving parameter of the SAS interface.

Abstract: When a controller identifies a universal serial bus (USB) device connected to a USB interface, it outputs a control signal to close a relay and a first start test signal to an electronic device to test a USB interface of the electronic device. When the test of the USB interface is completed, to the controller adds one to an inside counter, and determines whether the count value reaches a preset count value. If the count value reaches the preset count value, the controller outputs a finish test signal to the electronic device. If the count value does not reach the preset count value, the controller controls the closed relay to open and outputs a second start test signal to close a next relay to test a next USB interface of the electronic device corresponding to the now closed relay.

Abstract: A replicated database instance can be provisioned that provides primary and secondary replicas that can be provisioned in different data zones or geographical locations. The database can be installed on the primary replica, and both the primary and secondary replica can have installed a block level replication mechanism that allows any I/O operation to be replicated by between the primary and secondary replicas. Any failure or outage of the primary replica can be addressed by performing a failover operation to the secondary replica. A DNS name or other such approach can be used such that the name can be aliased to the secondary replica during a failover, such that there is no action needed on the part of the customer to utilize the “new” primary replica. The creation of the database and provisioning of the replicated instance can be initiated using a Web service call to a control environment.

Abstract: Consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure, a method involves a redriver circuit with compliance test mode features. A redriver circuit is configured to process received compliance patterns for a compliance test mode. A compliance test mode is detected by a redriver circuit having a first input port and a second input port. The redriver detects the presence of a remote receiver termination on both input ports, monitors both input ports to detect received data and enters compliance test mode in response to no received data being detected on the input ports for a set period of time. Compliance patterns are tracked by monitoring for valid signal levels on the second input port. De-emphasis is controlled on at least one input port in response thereto.

Abstract: A computer-readable medium encoded with an instruction check program for making a computer to check a status of execution of an instruction by an I/O simulator that performs an operation simulation according to a structure of an I/O area of a microcomputer, the instruction check program when executed by a computer causes the computer to perform a method including obtaining specification information of the microcomputer describing an input and an output condition of a hardware resource in the I/O area, detecting a simulation of a reference instruction to the hardware resource executed by the I/O simulator, determining correctness of the reference instruction by comparing a content of the simulation of the reference instruction detected by the detecting with the input and output condition of the hardware resource included in the obtained specification information, and outputting an error signal when it is determined that the reference instruction is incorrect.

Abstract: A test apparatus for testing an information processing apparatus includes a control unit connected to the control signal line through the connector unit to receive command information from the processing unit to execute the program, and a switching unit connected to the control unit to connect the second communication signal line and the fourth communication signal line under the control of the control unit.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for failure notification are provided. The method includes: sending, when it is detected that a failure occurs in a multicast label switch path, failure information to a downstream node of a multicast tree where a failed point locates, where the multicast label switch path is established based on a multicast label distribution protocol; and forwarding the failure information through the downstream node, where the failure information arrives at a leaf node of the multicast tree where the failed point locates. According to the method and the apparatus for failure notification of the present invention, finally, the failure information is transmitted to a leaf node. After the failure information is obtained, the leaf node may take appropriate measure to ensure the normal service and improve the reliability of the network.

Abstract: Systems and methods for 1553 bus operation self checking are provided. In one embodiment, a fault tolerant computer comprises a self-checking processor pair that includes a master processor, a checking processor, and self-checking pair logic; a 1553 bus transceiver; and a device comprising 1553 self-checking logic coupled between the self-checking processor pair and the 1553 bus transceiver, wherein the 1553 self-checking logic manages data communication between the 1553 bus transceiver and the self-checking processor pair. The 1553 self-checking logic includes a primary logic and a secondary logic that operate in lock-step. When the 1553 self-checking logic writes data to the 1553 bus transceiver, the 1553 self-checking logic compares a first 1553 formatted message generated by the primary logic to a second 1553 formatted message generated by the secondary logic, and generates an error indication when the first 1553 formatted message does not match the second 1553 formatted message.

Abstract: A storage device in which the MR-IOV is applied to an internal network of a storage controller. Data path failover can be executed in the storage device. The internal network of the storage controller is configured to enable the access of a virtual function (VF) “VF 0:0, 1” of each endpoint device (ED0-ED2) from a root port RP0. Likewise, “VF 1:0, 1” of each endpoint device can be accessed from a root port RP1. In a first data path from the RP0 to ED0 in a normal state, “VF 0:0, 1” and “MVF 0, 0” are connected by VF mapping. When a failure occurs on the first data path, the MR-PCIM executes the VF migration, whereby in the second data path from the RP1 to ED0, “VF 1:0, 1” and “MVF 0, 0” are connected by VF mapping. As a result, failover to the second data path is realized.

Abstract: One or more switches are interposed between a controller portion and a storage device. When transmission of a command to a certain storage device fails, a command is transmitted starting from an upstream side to a downstream side of a path between the controller portion and the switch to which the certain storage device is connected, and when command transmission fails while transmitting a command from a kth switch (k is an integer of 0 or more) which is connected to a (k+1)th switch and is one level upstream of the (k+1)th switch or from any port of the controller portion, it is determined that a failure has occurred in a power source that supplies power to the (k+1)th switch.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, delta checkpoints are provided for a non-volatile memory indirection table to facilitate a recovery process after a power loss event.

Abstract: A storage system includes first and second expanders for connecting storage units, each of the first and second expanders being connected cascade each other, a first controller connected one of the first and one of the second expanders and a host, a second controller connected the one of the second expanders, the one of the first expanders and the host, the second controller detecting a failure of at least one of the first controller, the first expanders and the second expanders, the second controller selectively controlling a first boot sequence which boots the first controller after the first expanders have been booted and a second boot sequence which boots the first controller before the first expanders have been booted, determining one of the first boot sequence and the second boot sequence on the basis of a place where a failure has occurred in a recovery process.

Abstract: An arrangement for controlling an automated system, having a number of sensors and actuators, in particular for controlling a railroad system. A programmable control unit runs a user program to process input data from the sensors and to generate control commands for the actuators. The sensors and the actuators are connected to a remote I/O unit, which is connected to the control unit via a communication network. The control unit and the I/O unit interchange data messages in order to transmit the input data and the control commands. The arrangement has a remote disconnection unit, which is coupled to the remote I/O unit independently from the input data and control commands. The control unit is designed to integrate specific verification data for the disconnection unit into the data messages for the I/O unit. The disconnection unit is designed to deactivate the I/O unit depending on the specific verification data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for parallel debugging on the data nodes of a parallel computer system. A data template associated with the debugger can be used as a reference to the common data on the nodes. The application or data contained on the compute nodes diverges from the data template at the service node during the course of program execution, so that pieces of the data are different at each of the nodes at some time of interest. For debugging, the compute nodes search their own memory image for checksum matches with the template and produces new data blocks with checksums that didn't exist in the data template, and a template of references to the original data blocks in the template. Examples herein include an application of the rsync protocol, compression and network broadcast to improve debugging in a massively parallel computer environment.

Abstract: Proposed are a disk array system and a traffic control method with which reliability can be improved by preventing system shutdown. A disk array system comprises a controller for controlling data I/O to and from a backend unit; a plurality of expanders provided in the backend unit and connected to the controller by way of a tree-structure topology; a plurality of storage devices provided in the backend unit and each connected to the corresponding expander; and a control unit for controlling the controller on the basis of an I/O request from a host device. The disk array system is configured such that the controller notifies the control unit of a link fault that has occurred in the backend unit, and the control unit, when supplied with the link fault notification from the controller, restricts issuance of I/O requests from the host device or restricts receipt of I/O requests sent from the host device as necessary.

Abstract: Disclosed are redundant data path(s) for transmission of graphical data between components in a graphical display system. The redundant data path(s) are used to transmit graphical data by at least two independent means, so that if a failure in one data path occurs, a data transmitted via a separate data path can be used for display. The system is particularly advantageous for multiple-serial-module configurations. The redundant data path(s) minimize disruption of data display and make repair and maintenance of the display system more efficient. The invention includes apparatus for graphical display systems, and also includes methods of data transmission for graphical display systems, and methods of maintenance of graphical display systems.

Abstract: An I/O device includes a host interface that may receive and process transaction packets sent by a number of processing units, with each processing unit corresponding to a respective root complex. The host interface includes an error handling unit having error logic implemented in hardware that may determine, as each packet is received, whether each transaction packet has an error and to store information corresponding to any detected errors. The error handling unit may include an error processor that may be configured to execute error processing instructions to determine any error processing operations based upon the information. The error processor may also generate and send one or more instruction operations, each corresponding to a particular error processing operation. The error handling unit may also include an error processing unit that may execute the one or more instruction operations to perform the particular error processing operations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting and processing line performance data transmitted over cables, e.g., Y-cables, is disclosed. The present invention applies a method based on specific performance measurements, specific measurement time intervals, and compare results from different measurement time intervals to produce a “signature” that indicates deteriorating performance of a particular Y-cable. Once a “signature” is detected, the method will proactively and automatically generate a trouble ticket to trigger the dispatch maintenance staffs to service the cable, e.g., to perform the replacement of the Y-cable in question, thus completing the predictive maintenance process. A trouble ticket is a record used to report and manage the resolution of network related problems.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for error handling within jobs that utilize a plurality of tasks for data transfer of individual data records to a storage destination. For each task, one or more failed records may be logged to a file for later insertion. If a high percentage of a task's output (e.g., writes to another data storage system) is determined to be failing, the task short-circuits itself. Each task is also configured to perform checkpoint logging as the task completes work. If the entire job later short-circuits and is to be restarted, the restarted job only repeats a minimal amount of previously completed work for the tasks which have not already completed their data insertions. Together, these techniques can ensure that in the face of periodic failures, the job completes long-running job in a minimal time with minimal effects.

Abstract: A network error detecting method checks if a network connection device has an Internet protocol (IP) address, if domain name mapping of web pages is correct, and if data communication between a web browser and a web server is correct. Accordingly, the network connection device informs the web browser of an IP address error, a domain name mapping error, or a data communication error. The web browser displays the network errors to users when the network errors are detected.

Abstract: A method and system for fast failure detection in a distributed computer system. The method includes executing a distributed computer system having a plurality of clusters comprising at least a first cluster, a second cluster and the third cluster, and initializing failure detection by creating a connected cluster list in each of the plurality of clusters, wherein for each one of the plurality of clusters, a respective connected cluster list describes others of the plurality of clusters said each one is communicatively connected with. A status update message is sent upon changes in connectivity between the plurality of clusters, and generating an updated connected cluster list in each of the plurality of clusters in accordance with the status update message. The method then determines whether the change in connectivity results from a cluster failure by examining the updated connected cluster list in each of the plurality of clusters.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing a control system for a stacked battery is disclosed. The control system comprises a plurality of processors, a plurality of controllers, and a monitoring unit (control unit). The method comprises sending a diagnostic information from the central unit to a top processor of the plurality of processors, transmitting a return information from the top processor of the plurality of processors to the central unit, comparing the diagnostic information sent from the central unit with the return information received by the central unit, and indicating a communication problem if the diagnostic information sent from the central unit is different from the return information received by the central unit. The steps are repeated by eliminating the top processor from a previous cycle and assigning a new top processor if there is no problem with the reconfigurable communication system.

Abstract: A data processing system includes an input/output (I/O) host bridge to which at least one I/O adapter is coupled by an I/O link. In a register of the I/O host bridge, a configuration partitionable endpoint (PE) field is set to identify a PE to be used for an I/O configuration operation. Thereafter, the host bridge initiates the I/O configuration operation on the I/O link and determines if an error occurred for the I/O configuration operation. In response to a determination that an error occurred for the I/O configuration operation, an error state is set in the I/O host bridge only for the PE indicated in the configuration PE field of the register in the I/O host bridge, wherein I/O configuration errors are isolated to particular PEs.

Abstract: The techniques introduced here include storage systems including a storage controller configured to access data and a storage subsystem including a storage device having n ports, where n is an integer greater than one, and where the storage device is configured to store the data and to make the data available to the storage controller via each of the n ports. The storage systems also include a communication fabric configured to couple the storage controller to each of the n ports of the storage device via m paths, where m is an integer greater than n, so that the storage system is configured to tolerate failure in up to m?1 paths through the communication fabric, such that the data in the storage device remains accessible to the storage controller even in the presence of failure in up to m?1 paths of the m paths.

Abstract: Problems in a network may be diagnosed based on alarm messages received from devices in the network and based on logical circuit path information of the network. In one implementation, a device may log alarm messages, in which each of the logged alarm messages may identify a network device that generated the alarm message and each of the alarm messages are associated with a time value. The device may group the alarm messages in the log of alarm messages based on the time values of the alarm messages to obtain one or more alarm message clusters and analyze the alarm message clusters to locate potential causes of the logged alarm messages.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to debug a network application are described. A described example network includes a live control network to collect control messages to create a history of network states, the history of network states reflecting an order in which control messages are processed, the live control network to roll back from a current state to a past state upon detection of an improper sequence of messages and to process the messages in a corrected sequence, the corrected sequence to be stored in the history. The described example network further includes a virtualized network corresponding to the live control network, the virtualized network responsive to a command from an operator to step through the history to facilitate debugging.

Abstract: A serial communications device comprises a controller to obtain digital diagnostic data representative of operational characteristics of the serial communications device, memory to store the digital diagnostic data and at least one interface, including an interface to serially communicate data via a serial cable. The serial communications device also comprises a signal controller configured to encode the digital diagnostic data onto a serial data signal for transmission via the serial cable by adjusting signal levels of the serial data signal while preserving original data in the serial data signal. Encoding the digital diagnostic data includes serializing the digital diagnostic data, determining a series of signal levels for the serialized digital diagnostic data based on a signal encoding map, and adjusting signal levels for the serial data signal based on the determined series of signal levels.

Abstract: An IPTV receiver and a method for managing video functionality and video quality on a screen in the IPTV receiver are disclosed. Herein, a method includes downloading a widget application from a server, executing the downloaded widget application at a browser, requesting a video test stream through the executed widget application to the server and managing the video functionality and the video quality on the screen using the video test stream.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an edge device having a controller to receive a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) message from a user endpoint device (UE) requesting communication services, forward the SIP message to a network element of a Server Office, receive from the network element a first error message indicating communication services at the Server Office are unavailable, replace the first error message with a second error message, the second error message indicating a temporary unavailability of communication services, and transmit the second error message to the UE. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A set of log entries is automatically inspected to determine a bug. A training set is utilized to determine clustering of log identifications. Log entries are examined in real-time or retroactively and matched to clusters. Timeframe may also be matched to a cluster based on log entries associated with the timeframe. Error indications may be outputted to a user of the system in respect to a log entry or a timeframe.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for injecting noise onto a link of a network. The apparatus, system, and method include, providing a noise injector card, connecting the noise injector card to the link, receiving a control signal to activate the noise injector card, switching a switch of the noise injector card, and injecting noise onto the link.

Abstract: In a storage system, a first loop and a second loop are connected to a controller, and at least one of the first loop and the second loop is connected to existing storage devices (which are physical storage devices other than additional storage devices, which are physical storage devices which are additionally provided). In processing for additional provision, after having disconnected all of the existing storage devices from the first loop, the controller connects an additional storage device to the first loop. And the controller acquires, via said first loop, an address acquired by this additional storage device, and makes a first suitability decision as to whether or not this address is appropriate. And, if the result of this first suitability decision is negative, then the controller blocks up this additional storage device whose address has been acquired.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to implementing power savings features on storage drives within a storage subsystem. A controller determines a drive is inactive and directs a power connector to prevent power from being provided to the drive. The controller may receive an input/output request for the inactive drive, direct the power connector to allow power to be provided, and provide the input/output request. When the controller receives an input/output request for the inactive drive, the controller sends a notification to the request's originator that the drive is unavailable and to retry after a fixed period of time. The controller performs maintenance on the drive when the drive is not inactive. The controller determines a maintenance time when the drive will be inactive and performs maintenance at an accelerated rate.