摘要 |
A computer network includes servers, controllers, and a plurality of workstations. The servers and controllers are coupled by Ethernet and secondary communication links. The workstations are serially coupled with the controllers. In this network, each server and controller acts as a failsafe and is adapted to assume the functionality of another server or controller in response to failure in that server or controller. In this manner, the secondary communication link assumes functionality of the Ethernet link in response to failure in the Ethernet link. A method of eliminating interruptions in a computer network due to a single point-of-failure includes assuming functionality of a server or controller by another server or controller in response to failure in the server or controller, and assuming functionality of an Ethernet link by a secondary communication link in response to failure in the Ethernet link.
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