HEARTBEAT MECHANISM FOR CLUSTER SYSTEMS

摘要

A heartbeat system and method is provided for a cluster system. The cluster includes a plurality of nodes. The nodes access files on one or more data storage devices over a network. The system includes a quorum file that receives and stores heartbeat messages from the plurality of nodes indicating they are active. A network controller connects the quorum file to the plurality of nodes in accordance with IEEE 1394 communication protocol.