GSLB DNS Path Selection Using Routing Tables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load balancing algorithms used in networks are not aware of the underlying network transport infrastructure and are manually defined, lacking standards-based path selection.
Innovation Solution
The method utilizes routing tables on GSLB DNS servers to perform path selection for client devices by comparing routing protocol metrics between different network paths, thereby determining the shortest path and providing the corresponding network address.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual load balancing algorithms are used, then path selection can be controlled, but the system lacks awareness of network transport infrastructure and cannot automatically select optimal paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces routing tables as an intermediary data structure that bridges the load balancing system and network transport infrastructure. The routing tables contain routing protocol metrics (such as hop count, bandwidth, delay) that automatically guide path selection without requiring complex manual configuration, thus achieving automation while managing complexity through standardized data structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical path selection methods with automated routing protocol-based selection. Instead of manually defining paths, the system uses routing protocols (like OSPF, IS-IS, RIP, BGP) to automatically determine optimal paths based on network conditions, substituting human intervention with automated algorithmic decision-making that leverages existing network infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If routing tables with routing protocol metrics are used, then automated path selection based on network infrastructure is enabled, but the system must handle and process routing table data from multiple sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the routing table management system universal by supporting multiple routing protocols (OSPF, IS-IS, RIP, BGP) and multiple data sources (local routing tables, remote routing tables received via DNS responses). This multi-functionality allows the same path selection mechanism to adapt to different network infrastructures and protocols without requiring separate handling for each case.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by receiving routing table updates from remote GSLB DNS servers and incorporating them into the path selection process. The routing tables are dynamically updated based on network conditions, allowing the system to adapt to changing network topologies and select optimal paths in real-time.
3Reliability
If routing tables from multiple regions are used, then geographically proximate path selection is achieved, but the GSLB DNS server must receive and process routing tables from multiple sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having GSLB DNS servers proactively receive and store routing tables from multiple regions before path selection is needed. The routing tables are cached and maintained in advance, allowing the system to quickly determine optimal paths without requiring real-time synchronization during DNS resolution, thus reducing the complexity of live coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses copying by receiving copies of routing tables from remote GSLB DNS servers and storing them locally for path selection. Instead of maintaining complex real-time synchronization links, each GSLB DNS server maintains a copy of routing tables from its region and other regions, enabling independent path selection while ensuring reliability through replicated information.
Data Source
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AI summary
Some embodiments of the invention provide a method of using routing tables of GSLB DNS servers to perform path selection in response to DNS requests from client devices. At a first GSLB DNS server that operates in a first region and that maintains a first routing table, the method receives, from a client device, a DNS request for accessing a set of resources provided by a first server in the first region and a second server in a second region. The method determines, based on the first routing table and a second routing table associated with the second region, that a first path from the client device to the first server is shorter than a second path from the client device to the second server, and provides a network address associated with the first path to the client device for reaching the first server to access the set of resources.