Data transfer for access points or switches in a cluster upon data tunnel failure

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon executable computer program instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to:

• receive, at a first gateway node of a plurality of gateway nodes in a cluster, uniform mapping information for the cluster, the uniform mapping information including a bucket map mapping an active gateway and a standby gateway for each of a plurality of entries, the bucket map including mapping the first gateway node as a standby gateway and a second gateway node as an active gateway for a first entry;
• receive, at the first gateway node, synchronized user information from the second gateway node, the user information including identification of a user associated with a first access point (AP) or switch that is indexed to the first entry;
• receive, at the first gateway node, a message from the first AP or switch requesting activation of the user on the first gateway node as a standby gateway upon failure of a data tunnel between the first AP or switch and the second gateway node;
• and
• in response to receipt of the message, activate the user on the first gateway node and send an acknowledgement to the first AP or switch.