Dynamic Inbound Traffic Balancing Across Network Adapters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional approaches for balancing inbound traffic across multiple network adapters in a multi-network interface-enabled processing system, such as those in the IBM z/OS environment, often lead to overloading and performance issues due to the lack of effective load balancing and redundancy, especially when using virtual internet protocol addresses (VIPAs).
Innovation Solution
The method involves registering multiple VIPAs across eligible network adapters using an address resolution protocol (ARP) and redistributing inbound data to balance the load, with techniques like round-robin registration and byte-count monitoring to ensure even distribution and rebalancing based on traffic thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple VIPAs are registered to a single network adapter for redundancy, then system reliability is improved, but network adapter overload and performance degradation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the registration of VIPAs across multiple network adapters rather than concentrating them on a single adapter. This distribution prevents any single adapter from becoming overloaded while maintaining redundancy, as VIPAs are divided and assigned to different adapters based on eligibility criteria.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic load balancing that continuously monitors network adapter conditions and adjusts VIPA registration in real-time. When an adapter becomes overloaded or fails, the system dynamically reassigns VIPAs to other eligible adapters, maintaining both reliability and performance adaptability.
2Device complexity
If inbound traffic is concentrated on fewer network interfaces, then simplified routing is achieved, but traffic distribution imbalance and packet loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms that monitor traffic distribution across network adapters and adjust routing decisions accordingly. When imbalance or congestion is detected, the system responds by redistributing traffic or reassigning VIPAs to achieve better load balance, thereby preventing packet loss while maintaining manageable routing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples described herein provide a computer-implemented method that includes registering at least one of a plurality of virtual internet protocol addresses (VIPAs) to each of a plurality of network adapters. The method further includes distributing, by each of the plurality of network adapters, inbound data among each of the plurality of network adapters using an address resolution protocol.