Abstract: An operation of redundant network elements in a communication network having a back-up-network element associated with each active-network element is provided. A back-up control unit is associated with each back-up-network element, and data sent to the active-network element is sent to the back-up network element. Data is processed separately by the active-network element and by the back-up-network element. Data traffic emitted by the back-up-network element is blocked by the back-up-control unit and the back-up-network element simulates the reaction of the other network elements. The back-up-control unit monitors the active-network element and switches to the back-up-network element in the event of a failure of the active-network element. The databases are created in the active-network element and in the back-up-network element in a parallel and faultless manner due to the introduction of the back-up-control unit. In the event of error, an automatic switchover may be carried out without a long delay time.

Abstract: Disaster recovery of an IP network having a working area, which includes at least a switch for routing traffic through the IP network, is provided. A first mode (402) is provided wherein the working area is active and routes traffic through the IP network, a backup area that has a functionality to route the traffic through the IP network, the backup area is maintained in standby and IP addresses relating to the traffic are stored in a storage area. A second mode (406) is provided wherein, when the working area is inoperable due to disaster, the backup is activated such that the backup area routes the traffic through the IP network with the IP addresses stored in the storage area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for assuring compatibility between the software units activated in partial computer systems (system A, system B) belonging to a distributed computer system, said software units each comprising their respective version of software codes and/or data. Once a compatibility test has established compatibility, a compatible non-activated software unit is activated on its partial computer system and the corresponding previously activated software unit is deactivated. The invention also relates to a method for securing data within a distributed computer system with several partial computer systems, for blocking access to the data, for securing common data and for deactivating the data access block are carried out according to the current status of the data securing option.