Technique to support pseudo-names

Details Technique to support pseudo-names Technique to support pseudo-names

1997-08-01

2001-04-17

Lee, Thomas C. (Department: 2787)

Error detection/correction and fault detection/recovery

Data processing system error or fault handling

Reliability and availability

C714S006130

Reexamination Certificate

active

06219799

ABSTRACT:

This relates to server protocol and more particularly to methods for supporting multiple node-names therein.
More particularly it involves multiple name support on a single (Microsoft NT) server for SMB protocol over TCP/IP.
Problem: when a node (e.g. node A) in a certain computer network “fails”, it becomes unable to respond to commands. I conceived that it would be advantageous for a “neighbor” node (e.g. node B) to be able to respond to such node A commands on behalf of node A—as well as responding (e.g. to commands) for itself. A salient feature hereof is to facilitate such, preferably “tricking” the Microsoft NETBIOS software (which normally accepts just one name as an input e.g. to node A) to also respond to another name (e.g. that for node B—both names being given by node B when node A “fails”).
Thus, an object hereof is to address the problem, in a multi-computer array (network) where one computer (e.g. server) becomes inoperative and cannot respond to commands, etc.—especially where this array uses an operating system that depends on a certain NAME for each computer to properly function.
Our solution, in part, is to provide some (or all) computers in this array with the ability to take over (at least some of) the functions of the failed computer—and particularly that such a “take-over computer” be able to support more than one name (e.g. its own name plus that of the failed computer).
Further, an object hereof is to provide a multi-computer array in which at least some of the computers can assume at least some functions for other computers if these others “fail”, and particularly where, in a Name-dependent operating system, such “take-over computers” can support more than one name, including their own name and that of a failed computer. This is particularly useful where NETBIOS and SMB Services are assumed in a Windows NT operating system.
Another problem in a multi-node array is where certain nodes (e.g. all nodes) are provided with “resources” (e.g. software and tables) that allows them to store information, etc., and where such a node “fails” it cannot communicate with, or respond to, other nodes, etc. Our solution here is similar to the above-noted feature, and involves providing nodes with “resources” such as software and tables data etc. that allow each node to execute commands to, and otherwise act for, a “failed” node.
Thus, it is an object hereof to address (at least some of problems noted herein and to provide (at least some of the advantageous features noted.


REFERENCES:
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Internet site:http://samba.anu.edu.au/cifs/docs.what-is-smb.html,pp. 1-8.
Leach et al., Internet-Draft entitled “A Common Internet File System (CIFS/1.0) Protocol,”December 19, 1997, 8 pages.

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