Abstract: A method, in a first network element, of notifying a network operator when mismatching sets of virtual addresses are configured on first and second network elements, prior to making one of the sets of virtual addresses available for network traffic reception. The first network element is coupled with a second network element by a synchronization channel. The network elements are configured to exchange synchronization data over the synchronization channel. A second set of virtual addresses, which are configured on the second network element, are received from the second network element. It is determined that the second set of virtual addresses and a first set of virtual addresses, which are configured on the first network element, do not match. A network operator is notified responsive to determining that first and second sets of virtual addresses do not match. The method may prevent problems that occur when the virtual addresses don't match.

Abstract: A network node for routing messages in a communications system, includes at least one network interface that communicates messages with a plurality of other network nodes, and a microprocessor that sends and receives messages. The microprocessor transitions from operation in an active-with-peer state to operation in an active-without-peer state in response to detecting that a standby inter-chassis redundancy (ICR) node has become or will become at least partially non-functional as a backup message router for the network node. While operating in the active-with-peer state, the microprocessor responds to a switchover triggering event by switching-over at least part of its message routing responsibility to the standby ICR node. In contrast, while operating in an active-without-peer state, the microprocessor does not switchover routing responsibility to the standby ICR node in response to the switchover triggered event.

Abstract: A network node for routing messages in a communications system, includes at least one network interface that communicates messages with a plurality of other network nodes, and a microprocessor that sends and receives messages. The microprocessor transitions from operation in an active-with-peer state to operation in an active-without-peer state in response to detecting that a standby inter-chassis redundancy (ICR) node has become or will become at least partially non-functional as a backup message router for the network node. While operating in the active-with-peer state, the microprocessor responds to a switchover triggering event by switching-over at least part of its message routing responsibility to the standby ICR node. In contrast, while operating in an active-without-peer state, the microprocessor does not switchover routing responsibility to the standby ICR node in response to the switchover triggered event.

Abstract: A method, in a first network element, of notifying a network operator when mismatching sets of virtual addresses are configured on first and second network elements, prior to making one of the sets of virtual addresses available for network traffic reception. The first network element is coupled with a second network element by a synchronization channel. The network elements are configured to exchange synchronization data over the synchronization channel. A second set of virtual addresses, which are configured on the second network element, are received from the second network element. It is determined that the second set of virtual addresses and a first set of virtual addresses, which are configured on the first network element, do not match. A network operator is notified responsive to determining that first and second sets of virtual addresses do not match. The method may prevent problems that occur when the virtual addresses don't match.