The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.

The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.

Date of Patent:
Jan. 09, 2001

Filed:

Apr. 14, 1998
Applicant:
Inventors:

Michael D. Hirst, Lakeville, MA (US);

Alan A. Gale, Carver, MA (US);

Gene A. Cummings, Sherborn, MA (US);

Assignee:

The Foxboro Company, Foxboro, MA (US);

Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Assistant Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
G06F 1/100 ;
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
G06F 1/100 ;
Abstract

A computer is connected to redundant network switches by primary and secondary connections, respectively. Test messages are sent across each connection to the attached switches. A break in a connection, or a faulty connection, is detected upon a failed response to one of the test messages. In response to this failure, traffic is routed across the remaining good connection. To facilitate fast protocol rerouting, a test message is sent across the now active connection bound for the switch connected to the failed connection. This message therefor traverses both switches causing each to learn the new routing. Rerouting is therefor accomplished quickly.


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