Abstract: A method performed by a domain name service client includes storing DNS entries in a local cache; sending a DNS query to another device to obtain an update to one of the DNS entries; determining whether a DNS response is received; and resetting a time-to-live (TTL) timer associated with the one of the DNS entries when the DNS response is not received.

Abstract: An application instance identifier is employed with various systems and methods in order to provide a requestor with continuous access to a resource when operating in a client clustered environment. A requestor residing on a first client may attempt to access a resource. The first client sends a request to access the resource. The request may be associated with an application instance identifier that identifies the requestor. At some point, the first client fails and the requestor is associated with a second client via a failover mechanism. The second client sends a second request to access the resource on behalf of the requestor. The second request is associated with the requestor's application instance identifier. The application instance identifier is used to identify the second request as belonging to the same requestor as the first request, thereby granting the second request to access the resource while avoiding a conflict situation.

Abstract: A test device may include an application that accesses online content. In some examples, a test intermediary and/or a test user interface (UI) are downloaded to the test device in response to a request by the application for obtaining the content from a network location. The test intermediary may be positioned to receive communications between the application and the content during testing of the content and/or the application. For example, the test intermediary may intercept metrics and other callbacks passed between the content and the application during manual or automated testing. In some instances, the test intermediary may provide the metrics and/or other test outputs for display in the test user UI rendered on the test device. The content may be rendered to be functional within the test UI, and the existence of the test intermediary and/or the test UI may be transparent to the application and the content.

Abstract: A method and system of error recovery of a device attached to a platform without requiring a system reset. In one embodiment of the invention, a platform detects an error(s) of an attached device and shuts down the communication link with the attached device. The platform corrects the error(s) and automatically re-trains the communication link with the attached device. In this way, no reset of the platform is required to correct the detected error(s) in one embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: A storage device procurement system for managing storage failure and full warnings and conditions to minimize a need for storage device inventory. Such a system minimizes a need for storage system administrators to be knowledgeable with procurement options and procedures. Such a system provides for an end-to-end automated storage device procurement system by combining elements of a direct order model with elements of storage array monitoring.

Abstract: A technique includes network booting a physical machine coupled to a network by a link aggregation group. The technique includes selectively disabling ports of the physical machine associated with the link aggregation group in connection with the network booting until a driver of an operating system to group the ports together is installed on the physical machine.

Abstract: System and method for automated testing of hot swap scenarios of field replaceable units (FRUs) in a storage system comprises an external automation server that distributes control signals to actuation systems within a number of FRUs. Power for the actuation systems may be provided by the external automation server or by self-contained power supplies with each actuation system. The actuation systems are responsive to the control signals to move the storage devices back-and-forth thereby electrically and physically disconnecting the storage device's mating connector from the backplane connector. This approach provides a high degree of automation while closely emulating customer hot swap scenarios.

Abstract: Providing heterogeneous recovery in a redundant memory system that includes a memory controller, a plurality of memory channels in communication with the memory controller, an error detection code mechanism configured for detecting a failing memory channel, and an error recovery mechanism. The error recovery mechanism is configured for receiving notification of the failing memory channel, for performing a recovery operation on the failing memory channel while other memory channels are performing normal system operations, for bringing the recovered channel back into operational mode with the other memory channels for store operations, for continuing to mark the recovered channel to guard against stale data, for removing any stale data after the recovery operation is complete, and for removing the mark on the recovered channel to allow the normal system operations with all of the memory channels, the removing based on the removing any stale data being complete.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for extending the web application root cause determination functionality to a web browser. In one aspect, the present invention plots the network topology diagram for the web application by executing network trace commands. In another aspect, the present invention allows user to upload their web application network topology diagram. In another aspect, the present invention allows user to build their web application network topology diagram using UI Devices Toolkit. The present invention collects the information relating to the web application issue from various entities such as network infrastructure devices, servers through ICMP, SNMP, TRAP, SYS/APPLOG, HTTP and Network traffic analysis. In one aspect, the present invention highlights the entity in the web application network topology diagram based on the collected information and provides the experts recommended suggestion for the issue through Internet web search query.

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 system that includes a multiplicity of flash memory cells; a reading apparatus; a writing apparatus for writing logical data from temporary memory into individual flash memory cells from among said multiplicity of flash memory cells, thereby to generate a physical representation of the logical data including a plurality of physical levels at least some of which represent, to said reading apparatus, at least one bit-worth of said logical data; and a special cell marking apparatus operative to store an earmark in at least an individual one of said multiplicity of flash memory cells for subsequent special treatment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides fault isolation in a in a highly interconnected system. A fault isolator uses a virtual topology of the system to autonomically isolate the fault. Failing nodes interconnects are identified and then used to traverse a virtual topology to determine the most suspect components as the cause of the reported failures. A failure indication is propagated to each component connected to a failing node in the virtual topology until the next node in the virtual topology is encountered. In preferred embodiments, the failure indications for each component are tallied together as the topology is traversed for each failing node and/or component. A total count of the number of nodes connected to each component is determined for a denominator. A weighting of the likelihood of fault is then determined by dividing the failure indications by the total count.

Abstract: In a system and method for testing a serial port of a computing device, the serial port electronically connects to a test fixture. Test data is sent to a receive data (RXD) pin by a transmit data (TXD) pin. A test result is received from the serial port by the RXD pin. The TXD pin and the RXD pin work normally if the test data is identical to the test result. When voltages of a request to send (RTS) pin and a data terminal ready (DTR) pin are set at high level, the RTS pin, a data carrier detect (DCD) pin, the DTR pin, a ring indicator (RI) pin, a data send ready (DSR) pin and a clear to send (CTS) pin work normally, upon the condition that status values of the serial port indicate the voltages of the above six pins are at high level.

Abstract: A storage system comprises a storage device for storing data, a control apparatus which controls the storage device and comprises multiple communication ports, and a switch apparatus which expands the number of storage device couplings and comprises multiple communication ports. Respective multiple communication ports of the control apparatus are coupled to respective multiple communication ports of the switch apparatus, and the switch apparatus is coupled to the storage device. The control apparatus configures at least one communication port of the multiple communication ports of the control apparatus, to a dedicated communication port for outputting only a prescribed command issued when a failure is detected.

Abstract: A computer unit includes computer components each having a processor and a computer component controller for controlling the operations of the computer components by communicating a control signal with the computer components through a radio transmission path. Another computer unit has a similar configuration. At an instruction from an external control terminal which has recognized the fault of another computer component controller provided for the another computer unit, the computer component controller concurrently controls the operations of computer components provided for the another computer unit by communicating a control signal through a radio transmission path.

Abstract: A controller area network (CAN) has a plurality of CAN elements including a communication bus and controllers. A method for monitoring the CAN includes identifying each of the controllers as one of an active controller and an inactive controller. A fault-active controller isolation process is executed to detect and isolate presence of a fault-active controller. A fault isolation process can be executed to detect and isolate presence of one of a wire open fault, a wire short fault and a controller fault when one of the controllers is identified as an inactive controller. Presence of a fault associated with a persistent bus disturbance in the CAN is detected when a bus error count is greater than a predetermined threshold continuously for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: The invention discloses a segment protection method for an Ethernet tunnel, there are two segment protection domains with a shared link in a Provider Backbone Bridge-Traffic Engineering (PBB-TE) network, and at least one of the two segment protection domains works in a non-revertive mode, and when a simultaneous failures of working segments of two segment protection domains recover or a failure of the shared node of the working segments recovers, the shared node of the working segments switches all the FDB entries of bidirectional ESPs of all the TESIs protected by the protection domains to standby entries, and after switching, out ports of the FDB entries of the ESPs are the ports connecting the shared segment. The invention also discloses a shared node of working segments of protection domains correspondingly. The invention is able to ensure that the bidirectional ESPs are co-routed after the failure recovering.

Abstract: An approach for supporting automated fault isolation is provided. An alarm is received indicating a fault within a customer network that includes one or more network elements. The customer network being monitored by a service provider. A script is retrieved for specifying a dialogue with the network elements for data collection. A command is transmitted to the customer network according to the one script to obtain data from the network elements, wherein the data is utilized to determine the fault. Further, a workflow event corresponding to the alarm is generated, wherein resolution of the fault is automated according to the workflow event.

Abstract: A network diagnostic module coupleable to a distributed process control network that controls an industrial process via field devices coupled to the network includes a power block coupleable to the network and configured to power the network diagnostic module with energy received from the network, a communications block coupleable to the network and configured to bi-directionally communicate over the network, and a diagnostics block coupleable to the network and configured to make diagnostic measurements of network and protocol parameters of the network. The network diagnostic module is not itself a field device that detects or controls any process variable of the industrial process, enabling the network diagnostic module to be placed essentially anywhere along the network to permanently monitor the network.

Abstract: A system for maintaining direct hardware access in the event of PNIC failure. A host for the system includes: a processor; a first and a second PNIC, where the first PNIC is activated and all other PNICs are deactivated; a host operating system; a virtual machine; and a hypervisor for transferring packets between the host operating system and the virtual machine. The host operating system includes a link aggregator, multiple host VNICs, and a virtual switch associated with the VNICs. The first virtual machine includes a virtual network protocol stack and a guest VNIC. The link aggregator is configured to determine whether the first PNIC has failed. Based on a determination that the first PNIC has failed, the link aggregator is further configured to: remove a virtual function mapping between the first PNIC and the virtual machine; determine the second PNIC; deactivate the first PNIC; and activate the second PNIC.

Abstract: A method including creating a commit-in-progress context from a copy of a data object in a redirect-on-write file system; and begin storing the commit-in-progress context in a persistent storage device. The method further includes, while storing the commit-in-progress context in the persistent storage device: receiving a notification of a pending modification to the first data object, creating an update-in-progress context from a copy of the commit-in-progress context, and begin applying the modification to the update-in-progress context. The method further includes detecting that a connectivity error has occurred between the commit-in-progress context and the storage device, and in response, identifying whether the commit-in-progress context is successfully stored in the storage device.

Abstract: An approach for providing incomplete action monitoring and service for data transactions is described. Incompleteness of a transaction event associated with an application is monitored. The incompleteness of the transaction event is detected in response to a failure in a communication session that transports data of the application. State information relating to transmission of the data for the application is stored. The restoration of the communication session is determined. Completion of the transaction event is initiated based on the stored state information.

Abstract: A communication monitoring apparatus that is capable of preventing determination of communication error due to communication shutdown accompanying the communication speed change so as not to inspire a user with unnecessary uneasiness. The communication monitoring apparatus monitors a connecting condition of communication between a terminal that can change a communication speed and a host apparatus through a network. A check unit periodically checks whether the connecting condition of communication between the terminal and the host apparatus through the network is normal or abnormal at first set time, and determines that a communication error occurs when the checked result shows abnormal connecting condition. A control unit detects a communication speed change in the terminal, and stops the check by the check unit before the communication speed change concerned.

Abstract: A test apparatus for a server includes a first connection unit coupled to a mother board of the server, a second connection unit coupled to a device under test, a data transmission unit, a processing unit, and a network unit. According to a selection signal, the data transmission unit switches one of data transmission modes to perform data transmission between the first connection unit and the second connection unit. The processing unit controls the data transmission unit to perform a first test program for the mother board through the first connection unit, or perform a second test program for the device under test through the first connection unit and the second connection unit. The network unit receives a control signal generated by an external apparatus, so that the external apparatus controls the processing unit to perform the first test program and the second test program through the network unit.

Abstract: A processor based system with at least one processor, at least one memory controller and optionally other devices having bussed system with a fast and compact majority voter in the circuitry responsible for the bus inversion decision. The majority voter is implemented in analog circuitry having two branches. One branch sums the advantage of transmitting the bits without inversion, the other sums the advantage of transmitting the bits with inversion. The majority voter computes the bus inversion decision in slightly more than one gate delay by simultaneously comparing current drive in each branch.

Abstract: Whether or not a signal which is transmitted from a current operation side node to a stand-by side node has been disconnected is determined on a communication route for the signal. When the signal is determined to have been disconnected, the network route is switched to the network route used when a client unit and the stand-by side node perform data communication. With this, the switching of the network route when processing having been performed by a node of a system is performed by another node in place of the node can be made quickly.

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 network of microcontrollers for monitoring and diagnosing the environmental conditions of a computer is disclosed. The network of microcontrollers provides a management system by which computer users can accurately gauge the health of their computer. The network of microcontrollers provides users the ability to detect system fan speeds, internal temperatures and voltage levels. The invention is designed to not only be resilient to faults, but also allows for the system maintenance, modification, and growth—without downtime. Additionally, the present invention allows users to replace failed components, and add new functionality, such as new network interfaces, disk interface cards and storage, without impacting existing users. One of the primary roles of the present invention is to manage the environment without outside involvement. This self-management allows the system to continue to operate even though components have failed.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for accessing a storage device from a node when a local connection failure occurs between the node and the storage device. A failure is determined to have occurred at a first node access path between a first node and a storage device that prevents an application at the first node from accessing the storage device from the first node access path. An access request is sent from the first node to a second node. The second node has a second node access path to the storage device. A determination is made that the second node can communicate with the storage device. The storage device is accessed by an application at the first node via the second node access path.

Abstract: An improved USB host controller and method supports concurrent host and device debug operations with only one usable USB port. The described embodiments save silicon cost and avoid additional connectors, which are undesirable in ever-smaller devices.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to scalable input/output (I/O) function level error detection, isolation, and reporting. An aspect of the invention includes detecting an error in a communication initiated between the function and a system memory, the communication including an I/O request from an application. Future communication is prevented between the one function and the system memory in response to the detecting. The application is notified that the error in communication occurred in response to the detecting.

Abstract: A chip operating method is provided which includes enabling a transmission mechanism or a receiving mechanism of the chip while normally operating the chip. The method further includes enabling both of the transmission mechanism and the receiving mechanism of the chip while testing the chip.

Abstract: A system for operating a virtual machine using a first site and a second site of an active/active system is provided. A host cluster and a director cluster may be identified at each of the first site and the second site. A first link may be provided between the host clusters of the first and second sites. A second link may be provided between the director clusters of the first site and second sites. While the virtual machine is operating on the first site, storage data may be transferred from the first site to the second site. An image of the virtual machine may be transferred from the first site to the second site. At least one of the following may be performed: (i) the storage data is transferred using the first link or (ii) the image of the virtual machine is transferred using the second link.

Abstract: A software engine has a base system in communication with service subsystems and test subsystems. The base system, the service subsystems, and the test subsystems are software applications that exchange data with one another while operating within the software engine. In one exemplary mode of operation, the base system receives outputs from the service subsystems. In another exemplary mode of operation, the base system receives outputs from the test subsystems that simulate the outputs generated by the service subsystems. An exemplary method of testing the software engine is also provided. Specifically, the illustrative method includes receiving an output during a service mode, switching from the service mode to a testing mode, and receiving the simulated output during the testing mode. The method steps may be performed by a computer executing instructions stored on a computer-readable medium.

Abstract: The centralized reporting of a service outage, where the service is offered over a network such as, for example, the Internet. Upon detecting a service outage, computing system automatically identifies characteristic(s) of the outage. Then, the computing system selects a way of reporting the outage that depends on the characteristic(s) of the outage. For instance, depending on the outage characteristic(s), the computing system might cause a particular communication channel or channels to be selected for reporting the outage. Alternatively or in addition, the content or structure of the report may differ depending on the characteristic(s) of the outage. The reporting mechanism may be centralized and service a number of other services, and even report regarding errors in the framework that supports the service.

Abstract: A method for fast I/O path failure detection and cluster wide failover. The method includes accessing a distributed computer system having a cluster including a plurality of nodes, and experiencing an I/O path failure for a storage device. An I/O failure message is generated in response to the I/O path failure. A cluster wide I/O failure message broadcast to the plurality of nodes that designates a faulted controller. Upon receiving I/O failure responses from the plurality of nodes, an I/O queue message is broadcast to the nodes to cause the nodes to queue I/O through the faulted controller and switch to an alternate controller. Upon receiving I/O queue responses from the plurality of nodes, an I/O failover commit message is broadcast to the nodes to cause the nodes to commit to a failover and un-queue their I/O.

Abstract: Various embodiments enable automatic cooperative logging of information associated with a connection between at least two computing devices. In some cases, a first computing device can automatically trigger logging on a second computing device upon detection of at least one scenario. Alternately or additionally, the second computing device can respond to the first computing device with additional and/or supplemental logging requests.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for transmitting data on a data channel from a source to a destination. The data channel has a plurality of wavelength channels and a throughput. The system and method include a storage application for multicasting data on each of the plurality of wavelength channels, a storage protocol extension device using buffer credits to adjust the throughput during the multicasting, and an application optimization device for managing data channel latency to achieve asymmetric mirroring behavior at the same time as the multicasting.

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: According to one embodiment, a system for creating a list of related defects in a network environment includes a processor, and a computer readable storage medium having computer readable program code embodied therewith. The computer readable program code includes computer readable program code that, when executed by the processor, causes the system to acquire a device list related to devices in multiple paths of a network, computer readable program code that, when executed by the processor, causes the system to query one or more information sources using the device list to retrieve defect data from the one or more information, sources, computer readable program code that, when executed by the processor, causes the system to create a list of related defects based on the retrieved defect data, and computer readable program code that, when executed by the processor, causes the system to output the list of related defects.

Abstract: A server apparatus, a mobile terminal, an electric appliance, a communication system, a communication method and a program for notifying a mobile terminal user in the open of the cause of a failure of P2P connection. In a communication system, an electric appliance (101), a server apparatus (103) and a mobile terminal (105) each detect a failure in preparation for P2P connection between the electric appliance (101) and the mobile terminal (105). When the electric appliance (101) detects the failure, it notifies the mobile terminal (105) of the failure via the server apparatus (103). When the server apparatus (103) detects the failure, it notifies the mobile terminal (105) of the failure. The mobile terminal (105) notifies the user of the failure detected by the mobile terminal itself or of the failure notified of by the server apparatus (103).

Abstract: Server management data describes observed operating condition of a pool of spare servers. Based on a demand forecast of a specific target system, a dynamic allocation period is determined as a period during which the target system needs additional server resources to handle an expected demand. Based on the dynamic allocation period and server management data, a set of allocation candidates are nominated from the spare server pool, by eliminating therefrom spare servers which are likely to fail during the dynamic allocation period. An appropriate allocation candidate is then selected for allocation to the target system, such that the selected candidate will satisfy a specified requirement during its allocation period.

Abstract: Generally described, systems and methods are provided for monitoring and detecting causes of failures of network paths. The system collects performance information from a plurality of nodes and links in a network, aggregates the collected performance information across paths in the network, processes the aggregated performance information for detecting failures on the paths, analyzes each of the detected failures to determine at least one root cause, and initiates a remedial workflow for the at least one root cause determined. In some aspects, processing the aggregated information may include performing a statistical regression analysis or otherwise solving a set of equations for the performance indications on each of a plurality of paths. In another aspect, the system may also include an interface which makes available for display one or more of the network topology, the collected and aggregated performance information, and indications of the detected failures in the topology.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to scalable input/output (I/O) function level error detection, isolation, and reporting. An error is detected in a communication initiated between a function and the system memory, the communication including an I/O request from an application. Future communication between the function and the system memory is prevented in response to the detecting. The application is notified that the error in communication occurred in response to the detecting.

Abstract: A Universal Serial Bus (USB) testing apparatus includes a Central Processing Unit (CPU); a Southbridge; a Baseboard Management Controller (BMC), connected with the Southbridge via USB. The BMC determines if a test starts or finishes, generates a first instruction of creating a virtual control computer when determining the test starts, creates a control module and a comparing module in a memory unit which are running to become the virtual control computer, and connects the memory unit with the BMC according to the first instruction. The control module sends control data to the CPU. The comparing module obtains feedback data from the CPU and compares the control data with the obtained data to determine if the control data is consistent with the obtained data, thereby determining whether the USB is working normally.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide a two-wire (e.g., unshielded twisted pair) bus system that is simple (e.g., no microcontroller required in slave devices), synchronous with embedded clock information, inexpensive, automotive EMC compliant, and has sufficient speed and bandwidth for a large number of slave devices/peripherals, and also provides various protocols that can be used in various communication systems such as a two-wire bus system. The two-wire bus optionally may be self-powered, i.e., the master device may provide power to the slave devices over the two-wire bus.

Abstract: A server-based environment for reporting a status of a security, monitoring and automation controller is provided. Detecting cessation of an always-on persistent network connection between the SMA controller and the server is also provided. Reporting the cessation of the network connection to an end user and defined others is further provided. A further aspect provides for automatically reporting an alarm event to a central station, the end user, and others, in the event the cessation of the network connection occurs while the SMA controller is armed and after a zone fault event, and not receiving a disarm notification prior to expiration of a preset entry delay.

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: Each of SAS expanders (“expander(s)” hereinafter) has a switch device for switching whether to bypass the expander in each communication path or not. Of the plurality of switch devices, an actual connection destination of a switch device bypassing the expander is a switch device in a upper-level and/or a lower-level of the switch device. Of the plurality of switch devices, an actual connection destination of a switch device that does not bypass an expander is the expander.

Abstract: Providing heterogeneous recovery in a redundant memory system that includes a memory controller, a plurality of memory channels in communication with the memory controller, an error detection code mechanism configured for detecting a failing memory channel, and an error recovery mechanism. The error recovery mechanism is configured for receiving notification of the failing memory channel, for performing a recovery operation on the failing memory channel while other memory channels are performing normal system operations, for bringing the recovered channel back into operational mode with the other memory channels for store operations, for continuing to mark the recovered channel to guard against stale data, for removing any stale data after the recovery operation is complete, and for removing the mark on the recovered channel to allow the normal system operations with all of the memory channels, the removing in response to the removing any stale data being complete.