Method and apparatus for partition resolution in clustered computer systems
US6363495B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 19, 1999 |
| Grant date | Mar 26, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 19, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L69/40
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method in a computer for handling a network partition of a clustered computer system, wherein the computer is part of a number of computers located within the cluster. Data is periodically written into a data structure in a shared resource, wherein the data provides a status of the computer and wherein a data structure is associated with each cluster node. Monitoring for a partition of the cluster is performed. All data structures located in the shared resource are read in response to detecting a network partition of the cluster. A determination is made as to whether the computer is in the preferred partition, one containing the largest number of computers or is otherwise determined to be viable for continued operation. Should the computer determine that it is not a member of a preferred or otherwise viable partition, it must relinquish access to shared cluster resources requiring mutually exclusive access, such as a database on a shared disk volume. This is generally effected by the computer ceasing to operate as an active member of the cluster.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.