This configuration has the following characteristics: Figure 6-30 shows a configuration with two 4-node systems in IP partnership over a single  inter-site link (with failover ports configured). GLYPH<SM590000> Each node in the I/O group has the same remote copy port group that is configured.  However, only one port in that remote copy port group is active at any time at each  system.  GLYPH<SM590000> If Node A1 in System A or Node B2 in System B fails in the respective systems, IP  partnerships rediscovery is triggered and continues servicing the I/O from the failover port. GLYPH<SM590000> The discovery mechanism that is triggered because of failover might introduce a delay  where the partnerships momentarily change to the  Not_Present  state and recover. Figure 6-30 shows two 4-node systems: System A and System B. A single remote copy port  group 1 is configured on nodes A1, A2, A3, and A4 on System A, Site A, and on nodes B1,  B2, B3, and B4 on System B, Site B.  Although four ports are configured for remote copy group 1, only one Ethernet port in each  remote copy port group on each system actively participates in the IP partnership process.  Port selection is determined by a path configuration algorithm. The other ports play the role of  standby ports. If Node A1 fails in System A, the IP partnership selects one of the remaining ports that is  configured with remote copy port group 1 from any of the nodes from either of the two I/O  groups in System A. However, it might take some time (generally seconds) for discovery and  path configuration logic to reestablish paths post failover. This process can cause  partnerships to change to the  Not_Present  state.  Figure 6-30 Multinode systems single inter-site link with only one remote copy port group Chapter 6. Copy services  223