Computer system with adaptive heartbeat
US6370656B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 19, 1998 |
| Grant date | Apr 9, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 19, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L43/16
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A computer system comprises a variety of components transmitting variable-rate heartbeats to a heartbeat monitor, each heartbeat indicating that the component is functioning properly. In addition, selected components serve as proxies by transmitting heartbeats to indicate that another component is functioning properly. In the preferred embodiment, one or more central processing units (CPUs) transmit heartbeats to indicate proper CPU functioning, while a bridge logic device and a network interface card (NIC) transmit heartbeats as proxies for a memory device and an external computer system, respectively. The heartbeat monitor is capable of determining initial heart rates for each component and is further capable of adaptively varying the heart rates thereafter. If the age of the heartbeat sender is relatively young, then a relatively slow heart rate is specified. Faster heart rates are specified for older components. Thereafter, the heartbeat monitor continuously tracks the age of the component, raising the heart rate as the component ages. In response to signals from a temperature sensor as well as various warning and error signals, the heartbeat monitor dynamically adjusts each he…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.