Workstation-implemented data storage re-routing for server fault-tolerance on computer networks

A computer network management method for a local area computer network employing a data storage device maintaining a data image and capable of being supported by multiple intelligent network. hosts, said method comprising:

• a) coupling at least a primary and a secondary intelligent host to said storage device in a local area network for access of said data image by multiple workstations via either one of said primary and secondary hosts;
• and
• b) employing worlcstation loaded routing software at each said workstation, said routing software performing the functions of:
• i) routing all workstation generated network data storage activity destined for said storage device to be segregated between first and second file categories for storage on said storage device through said primary and said secondary intelligent hosts respectively whereby, said intelligent hosts share data storage activities providing network access to said data storage device;
• ii) monitoring means to monitor data storage activities output from said workstation onto said computer network and to detect failure to access said high-availability storage device via a respective one of said intelligent hosts;
• and
• iii) rerouting data access requests for said high-availability storage device via a respective other of said intelligent hosts hosting said data storage device in response to said access failure detection;
• whereby workstation access to said high-availability storage device can continue transparently to the user despite loss of functionality of one of said intelligent hosts.

A computer network management method employing on a computer network, a data storage device capable of being supported by multiple intelligent hosts, said method comprising:

• a) coupling at least a primary and a secondary intelligent host to said storage device for access by one or more workstations;
• and
• b) employing workstation loaded routing software said routing software performing the functions of:
• i) routing all workstation generated network data storage activity destined for said storage device to be segregated between first and second file categories for storage on said storage device through said primary and said secondary intelligent hosts respectively whereby, said intelligent hosts share data storage activities providing network access to said data storage device;
• ii) monitoring means to monitor data storage activities output from said workstation onto said computer network and to detect failure to access said high-availability storage device via a respective one of said intelligent hosts and
• iii) rerouting data access requests for said high-availability storage device via a respective other of said intelligent hosts hosting said data storage device in response to said access failure detection;
• whereby workstation access to said high-availability storage device can continue transparently to the user despite failure of one of said intelligent hosts.

A computer network workstation being one of a number of such workstations connected via a local area network with a primary file server providing access to a data image supported on a network data storage system. connected to a secondary file server to provide an alternative storage system access path loaded with rerouting software for providing redundant data accessibility across the local area network, said rerouting software performing the steps of:

• a) monitoring all data output by said workstation to a primary server-supported network data storage system maintaining a data image;
• b) detecting at said workstation failure to access said data storage system via said primary server;
• and
• c) rerouting workstation-generated data storage activity to a current version of said data image via the secondary file server and the alternative storage system access path.