Method for providing a fault tolerant network using distributed server processes to remap clustered network resources to other servers during server failure

Abstract

The method of the current invention provides a fault tolerant access to a network resource. A replicated network directory database operates in conjunction with server resident processes to remap a network resource in the event of a server failure. The records/objects in the replicated database contain for each network resource, a primary and a secondary server affiliation. Initially, all users access a network resource through the server identified in the replicated database as being the primary server for the network resource. When server resident processes detect a failure of the primary server, the replicated database is updated to reflect the failure of the primary server, and to change the affiliation of the network resource from its primary to its backup server. This remapping occurs transparently to whichever user/client is accessing the network resource. As a result of the remapping, all users access the network resource through the server identified in the replicated database as the backup server for the resource. When the server resident processes detect a return to service of the primary server, the replicated database is again updated to reflect the resumed operation of the primary server. This remapping of network resource affiliations also occurs transparently to whichever user/client is accessing the network resource, and returns the resource to its original fault tolerant state.