PRIMECLUSTER Global Link Services Configuration and Administration Guide: Redundant Line Control Function 4.1 (for Solaris(TM) Operating System)

2.1.1.1 Fault monitoring function

Fault monitoring

Sends a dedicated monitor frame to the other system's NIC at regular intervals (a default value is five seconds. It is possible to change by the hanetparam command) and waits for a response. When received a response, decides that a route is normal, and uses it for communication until next monitoring. When received no response, decides that an error occurred, and not use it for communication until decides it is normal at next monitoring. Monitoring is done in an NIC unit that the other device equips.

[Figure 2.3 Monitoring method in Fast switching mode]

Switching time

If a failure occurs in a multiplexed line, disconnecting the line takes about 10 seconds.

Detectable failures

The following failures can be detected:

[Figure 2.4 Detectable failures in Fast switching mode]

Because the failures (1) - (4) appear to be the same failure, a type of the failure cannot be specified. Each device has to be checked to make this determination.

Fault monitoring start/stop

Monitoring is started automatically when the virtual interface is activated. Monitoring is automatically stopped when the virtual interface is inactivated. In cluster operation, the system allows each node to be started or stopped independently.