News Flash: Network splits/instability

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 2006-03-30 18:01:12 - Network splits/instability
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Category: Servers
To read more: http://blitzed.org/newsidx.phtml?newsid=355
Posted by: sonorous (http://blitzed.org/staff/sonorous)
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   Over the past few days, Blitzed has been experiencing abnormal network
   routing issues and as a result there have been quite a number of
   netsplits.

   Blitzed take server stability very seriously and indeed is why we take
   server link applications very seriously and have a stringent testlink
   period.

   We would like to take the opportunity to explain some of the reasons
   behind the netsplits, thus keeping everyone informed:
     * thyme.cgiirc.blitzed.org was affected by repeated power outage
       issues at Redbus Interhouse, Paris. This server carries users
       connected via our [1]CGI:IRC gateway but it also houses the
       widely-used "find" bot.
     * penguin.uk.eu.blitzed.org was affected by router upgrades by its
       transit provider. However, the outage was essential and only
       lasted a few minutes.
     * tabasco.hub.eu.blitzed.org was also affected by routing amendments
       and it too lasted only a few minutes.

   We also had a routing issue yesterday which necessitated in us having
   to re-route a hub server. We never like to cause further disruption by
   forcibly disconnecting and reconnecting servers if the network is
   operating in a sub-optimal manner; however, in this case, the
   situation was bad enough to warrant a re-route. The split only lasted
   less than a minute.

   We would also like to point out that, whilst the "[2]find" bot is
   allowed to be invited into any channel and is written/maintained by
   [3]dg, a staff member on Blitzed, it is not supported by the network
   etc as a whole. Any issues with "find" should be directed to dg
   personally, so please bear in mind that any issues regarding find
   cannot be blamed solely on the network itself.

   There maybe futher disruption within the next 24-48 hours, but they
   should be minor. Please bear with us but rest assured the network
   should return to a more normal stable state shortly.

References

   1. http://blitzed.org/chat/
   2. http://wiki.blitzed.org/find
   3. http://blitzed.org/staff/dg