Hybrid interface synchronization method and driver-client model for high availability systems

摘要

A system and method for supporting a "hitless" switchover from an Active to a Standby processor uses a hybrid synchronization of interface states to allow applications that have been modified to have HA aware features and non-modified applications to function on the system. An interface description data block on the Standby RP is synchronized to the interface description data block on the Active RP and is maintained in a shadow state when the Active RP controls the system. In the event of a switchover between the RPs the interface description data block on the Standby RP is copied from the shadow state to a real state and applications on the Standby RP are notified of a status change.