Dynamically controlling HSRP preemption dependent on stateful NAT convergence

A machine-readable volatile or non-volatile medium storing one or more sequences of instructions for controlling switchover from an active network node to a standby network node, wherein execution of the one or more sequences of instructions by one or more processors causes:

• when the standby network node restarts, delaying designation of the standby node as a new active node according to the period of a delay timer;
• receiving from the active network node a notification identifying a number of data messages that the active network node needs to send to the standby node;
• storing the number in a counter;
• receiving the data messages and decrementing the counter as the messages are received;
• when the delay timer expires, determining if the counter has reached zero, and transitioning the standby network node as the new active node only when the counter has reached zero.

An apparatus comprising:

• one or more processors;
• one or more sequences of instructions stored in a volatile or non-volatile medium for controlling switchover from an active network node to a standby network node, which instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, are operable to:
• when the standby network node restarts, delay designation of the standby node as a new active node according to the period of a delay timer;
• receive from the active network node a notification identifying a number of data messages that the active network node needs to send to the standby network node;
• store the number in a counter;
• receive the data messages and decrement the counter as the data messages are received;
• when the delay timer expires, determine if the counter has reached zero, and transition the standby network node as the new active node only when the counter has reached zero.