Intermediary-Based Multipath Distribution for Load Balancing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data systems face inefficiencies in load distribution across multiple interfaces, particularly with methods like link aggregation that require complex configuration and do not scale well.

Innovation Solution

A method that uses an intermediary to dynamically manage connections across multiple ports on a server by identifying and switching to optimal ports based on activity counters and time-out conditions, allowing for efficient load balancing and failover in case of port failures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If link aggregation is used to spread client load across server interfaces, then load distribution is achieved, but configuration complexity increases and scalability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload distribution efficiencyVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary component that manages the distribution of client requests across multiple server interfaces. This intermediary handles the complexity of load balancing internally, allowing simple client connections while achieving efficient load distribution across multiple interfaces without requiring complex client-side configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the server monitors interface status and performance metrics, then dynamically adjusts request routing. This feedback loop enables automatic load balancing and failover without manual intervention, reducing configuration complexity while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Power

If multiple interfaces are used to increase bandwidth, then data transfer capacity improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebandwidthVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data transfer function across multiple independent interfaces, each handling a portion of the total bandwidth. This segmentation allows the system to achieve increased overall bandwidth while keeping each individual interface simple and manageable, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges multiple interface capabilities into a unified communication channel from the client perspective. While multiple physical interfaces provide increased bandwidth, they are combined and managed as a single logical interface, hiding the complexity from users and applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If conventional load balancing methods are used, then some load distribution is achieved, but failover protection is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload balancingVSAvoidfailover protection
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements beforehand cushioning by pre-configuring backup interfaces and establishing failover protocols before failures occur. When an interface fails, the system has predetermined alternative paths ready, ensuring continuous operation and protecting against data loss without interrupting service.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes operational parameters such as interface selection and routing paths based on real-time status monitoring. When performance metrics or health checks indicate interface degradation or failure, the system automatically changes parameters to redirect traffic through alternative interfaces, improving both load balancing and failover protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8725848B1Multipath distribution
Publication Date: 2014.05.13 EMC IP HLDG CO LLC
  • US8725848B1 patent drawing
  • US8725848B1 patent drawing
  • US8725848B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for processing data. In some embodiments, this includes an intermediary connecting to an initial interface, the intermediary receiving an optimal interface, the intermediary disconnecting from the initial interface, and the intermediary connecting to the optimal interface. In some embodiments, the intermediary may be a plug-in for an application on a client.