IP Server Traffic Throttling via DNS Alias Hostnames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional traffic distribution methods in SIP networks employ an all-or-nothing approach when a server becomes congested, leading to sub-optimal utilization of resources and inefficient traffic redirection, as they only allow binary control over traffic flow.
Innovation Solution
Implementing multiple alias hostname identifiers with associated weight values for an IP network server, allowing for fine-grained traffic throttling by selectively enabling or disabling traffic flow to individual hostnames, thereby enabling dynamic regulation of traffic without requiring changes to conventional DNS or SIP operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional DNS records with single hostname identifiers are used, then traffic distribution is simple to implement, but traffic throttling control is coarse and sub-optimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single hostname identifier into multiple alias hostname identifiers (e.g., alias1, alias2, alias3) that all point to the same network server. This segmentation allows the system to control traffic flow to the server in granular increments by selectively disabling individual aliases, thereby improving traffic throttling precision without fundamentally changing the DNS record structure complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to the traditional one-to-one mapping between hostname and server by implementing a one-to-many mapping where multiple alias hostnames point to a single server. This dimensional change enables fine-grained traffic control through the aliases while maintaining the simplicity of the underlying DNS infrastructure.
2Productivity
If all-or-nothing traffic redirection is used when server becomes congested, then implementation is simple, but resource utilization becomes sub-optimal
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying all-or-nothing traffic redirection, the patent enables partial action by allowing the network server to selectively disable only certain alias hostnames while keeping others active. This partial action approach optimizes resource utilization by maintaining some traffic flow to the congested server while redirecting excess traffic, thereby improving productivity without significantly increasing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic traffic flow control where the network server can adaptively enable or disable specific alias hostnames based on its current congestion state. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to respond flexibly to changing conditions, optimizing resource utilization in real-time while maintaining relatively simple operation through automated server-controlled alias management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple alias hostnames are assigned to a single server, then fine-grained traffic throttling is enabled, but DNS record maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the alias hostname identifiers universal by having multiple aliases (alias1, alias2, alias3) that all function as entry points to the same network server. This multi-functionality approach enables flexible traffic regulation where any combination of aliases can be enabled or disabled independently, providing adaptability without significantly increasing DNS record management complexity since all aliases follow the same structural pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The network server autonomously manages its own alias hostname identifiers by selectively disabling them based on its congestion state. This self-service mechanism allows the server to dynamically regulate traffic flow without requiring external DNS management intervention, thereby enhancing traffic flow regulation flexibility while keeping DNS record management complexity relatively low through automated server-controlled alias deactivation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for throttling traffic to an IP network server using alias hostname identifiers assigned to the IP network server with a domain name system are disclosed. One method includes maintaining a plurality of weight values and corresponding alias hostname identifiers for the IP network server that are associated with the IP network server in a DNS system. The method further includes throttling network traffic sent to an IP network server by sending, from the IP network server, messages to nodes that send the traffic to the IP network server, where the messages selectively enable or disable traffic flow to the individual alias hostnames.