Abstract: A method for transmitting data in a network from a source node to a destination node via a path of links includes the steps of transmitting data packets from the source node to an intermediary point. Once a particular packet is successfully received at an intermediary point, the particular packet is de-allocated at the source node, as are any other packets in the buffer between the particular packet and the last acknowledged packet. Upon receipt of an error indication, each packet is retransmitted along with all subsequent packets. After a predetermined number of attempts of successfully transmitting the data has expired, it is determined that the link between one intermediary point and another intermediary point or one intermediary point and the destination node has failed. The packets are returned to the source node and a verification packet is sent across the path of links to verify the at least one link has failed.

Abstract: A method for transmitting data in a network from a source node to a destination node includes the steps of transmitting data packets from the source node to an intermediary point, and assigning each of the packets a corresponding sequence number. A copy of each packet is stored in a buffer at the source node until receiving an acknowledgment that each packet was successfully received by the intermediary point. Upon successfully reaching the intermediate point, the intermediate point assigns an intermediate point sequence number to each packet. A copy of each packet is retained in a buffer at the intermediate point until receiving an acknowledgment that the packet was successfully received at the next delivery point. Once a particular packet is successfully received at an intermediary point, the particular packet is de-allocated at the source node, as are any other packets in the buffer between the particular packet and the last acknowledged packet.

Abstract: An improved method of executing a plurality of computer application programs on a multicomputer is disclosed. The present invention pertains to a task scheduling system in a multicomputer having nodes arranged in a network. The present invention comprises an allocator and scheduler component, which comprises processing logic and data for implementing the task scheduler of the present invention. The allocator and scheduler operates in conjunction with a partition to assign tasks to a plurality of nodes. A partition is an object comprising a plurality of items of information and optionally related processing functions for maintaining a logical environment for the execution of tasks of one or more application programs. Application programs are allowed to execute on one or more nodes of a partition. Moreover, a node may be assigned to more than one partition and more than one application program may be loaded on a single node.