Abstract: A method for improving the availability and reliability of a computer clustering system having first and second servers that are connected to each other by a communication link and that each have an associated mass storage device. In one implementation, the method begins when the first server detects a loss of communication over the communication link from the second server to the first server that prevents the servers from communicating with each other. The first server then analyzes the communication link to determine if the communication link is functioning properly. If the communication link is functioning properly, then the first server continues operation, assuming a right to survive without communicating with the second server or with the mass storage device of the first server or with the mass storage device of the second server, and the first server services network requests that would otherwise be serviced by the second server.

Abstract: A method for increasing the availability of a first server included in a computer cluster when a second server fails. Each server in the computer cluster has an associated mass storage device and can process requests from any network device in the computer cluster. Data is mirrored between the mass storage devices of the servers so that each server's mass storage device has a complete copy of all computer cluster data. Data mirroring takes place across a dedicated link, which reduces congestion on the rest of the computer cluster. When the first server detects a loss of communication from the second server, the first server determines if the loss of communication is a result of a malfunction of the dedicated link. If the dedicated link has failed, the first server discontinues operation to avoid writing data to its associated mass storage device, which cannot be mirrored due to the loss of communication. If the dedicated link is operational, the first server continues operation.

Abstract: A method for increasing the availability of a first server included in a computer cluster when a second server fails. Each server in the computer cluster has an associated mass storage device and can process requests from any network device in the computer cluster. Data is mirrored between the mass storage devices of the servers so that each server's mass storage device has a complete copy of all computer cluster data. Data mirroring takes place across a dedicated link, which reduces congestion on the rest of the computer cluster. When the first server detects a loss of communication from the second server, the first server determines if the loss of communication is a result of a malfunction of the dedicated link. If the dedicated link has failed, the first server discontinues operation to avoid writing data to its associated mass storage device, which cannot be mirrored due to the loss of communication. If the dedicated link is operational, the first server continues operation.