Multi-server fault tolerance using in-band signalling

A primary server/standby server network configuration according to the invention includes a primary server executing network operating system software and a standby server monitoring for the proper operation of the primary server, where both the primary server and the standby server are connected to a storage system. If the primary server fails, the standby server instructs the storage system to switch its hardware connections to the standby server, allowing the standby server to boot the operating system. This instruction is done via in-band signaling. Further, multiple primary servers can be backed up by a single standby server.