Method for improving cluster bring-up in a distributed topology liveness system

摘要

A method is provided for establishing clusters in a distributed data processing environment having a plurality of nodes. The frequency of messages sent for the purpose of cluster formation is selected based on ranking of the nodes. Higher ranking nodes transmit such messages more frequently than lower ranking nodes. Lower ranked nodes thus are provided with an opportunity to join a cluster without first having to transmit their own messages to effectuate the joining.