Synchronization of network traffic compression mechanisms deployed in
redundant network topologies. In one implementation, the present
invention features the synchronization of compression statistics on
redundant network devices to facilitate failover and load sharing
operations in the management of data flows traversing computer network
environments. In one implementation, compression meta data is appended to
synchronization packets and transmitted to one or more partner or
redundant network devices. The receiving network devices use the
compression meta data to synchronize one or more data flow control
processes or data structures. Implementations of the present invention
also feature process flows that increase the efficiency of synchronizing
compression related operations.