Standby router protocol

A network segment providing a redundant routing capability, the network segment comprising:

• at least one host on a LAN, said host including means for addressing data packets to a virtual router;
• at least two physical routers connecting the host's LAN to at least one other network segment, each router capable of assuming the states of active and standby router, the active router communicating with the host and the standby router backing up the active router;
• and
• means for selecting the active router and the standby router from among the at least two routers, wherein said active router includes means for emulating a virtual router, and wherein each physical router is provided with the ability to issue coup messages for notifying the active router that the physical router will attempt to become the active router, and wherein the ability to issue coup messages can be disabled at least temporarily.

A method of backing up a router with which a host communicates in a network having multiple routers, each router having a priority, the method comprising the following steps:

• specifying an active router for routing data packets from the host;
• specifying a standby router which backs up the active router;
• causing said active router to emulate a virtual router;
• causing the host to address data packets to said virtual router;
• and
• automatically selecting a new active router based upon a comparison of the priorities of the multiple routers in the network, wherein said active and standby routers are provided with the ability to issue coup messages for notifying another active router that the active or standby router will attempt to become the active router, and wherein the ability to issue coup messages can be disabled at least temporarily.