Nortel Networks Corporation

Avaya Inc.

Ken Yu

Shang Chang

Ramasamy Jesuraj

Arun Kudur

Described are a method and system for generating an asynchronous data frame. A character received from an asynchronous device is buffered. Each additional character from the asynchronous device is buffered if the additional character is received before the expiration of a predetermined interval measured from a time when a last buffered character was received. The one or more buffered characters are assembled as a data frame after the expiration of the predetermined interval if no additional character is received from the asynchronous device before the expiration of the predetermined interval. An encapsulated TCP packet that includes the data frame is generated for transmission across a TCP/IP network to a remote device.

Method and system for generating data frames for asynchronous over TCP/IP protocol

A critical interface may be defined for a network device such that if the critical interface goes DOWN, the network device will perform a forced failover. IP addresses are assigned to interface groups, and interface groups are assigned to a critical interface. The critical interface will go DOWN if any one of the interface groups goes DOWN. The interface groups will not go DOWN, however, unless all members' IP addresses assigned to the interface group go DOWN. By configuring the critical interface in this manner, the network manager has increased flexibility in defining which events should and should not trigger failover of the network device. Additionally, combinations of events may be grouped to enable the network manager to take into account fairly complex failure scenarios and specify, with precision, the action to be taken by the network device under myriad possible situations.

Method and apparatus for defining failover events in a network device

An user may define failover events in a network device by customizing the network device's response to a failure on the network. Specifically, an user may instruct the network device to activate or deactivate one or more interfaces, or undergo any number of additional communications, upon a perceived network failure or critical interface failure. This enables the network device to initiate or terminate connectivity with one or more network devices, as well as optionally performing failover to a standby network device, to enable the network device to more smoothly handle failover procedures and transition traffic to the network device that will be responsible for communication after failover has been effected.

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Burlington, MA, United States of America

Ken Yu