Layer 4 Switch Server Cooperation for Connection Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current load balancers in computer networks do not effectively utilize the resources of back-end servers to manage connection distribution among nodes, leading to inefficiencies in handling increased connection loads.
Innovation Solution
A Layer 4 switch that cooperates with multiple servers to manage connection information by using tables such as a connection table and default content addressable memory (CAM) to distribute and close connections, allowing servers to participate in initializing and updating connection states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If current load balancers autonomously determine request distribution without server cooperation, then the load balancer can independently manage connection distribution, but the resources of back-end servers are not utilized leading to inefficiency in handling increased connection loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connection management functions between the load balancer and back-end servers. Servers participate in initializing and updating connection states by sending connection information packets to the load balancer, combining previously separate functions into a cooperative system that improves efficiency while managing complexity through standardized protocols
Solution Approach 2:
Back-end servers perform self-service by autonomously generating and transmitting their own connection information packets to the load balancer. Each server independently manages its connection state information and actively contributes to the overall connection management system, reducing the burden on the load balancer while improving overall system productivity
2Reliability
If the load balancer manages all connection information autonomously, then connection distribution can be controlled centrally, but the system scalability is limited and the risk of denial-of-service attacks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments connection management responsibilities between the load balancer and individual back-end servers. Each server maintains its own connection state information and communicates selectively with the load balancer, distributing the management burden across multiple nodes. This segmentation improves scalability and reliability by preventing single points of failure and enabling the system to handle increased connection loads through distributed management
3Productivity
If faster processors and more memory are added to load balancers to meet increasing connection loads, then connection distribution performance improves, but the cost and complexity of the load balancer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts connection state management responsibilities from the load balancer and places them at the back-end servers. By taking out the burden of maintaining complete connection information from the load balancer, the system achieves improved connection distribution performance without requiring increasingly powerful and complex load balancer hardware, instead utilizing the combined resources of the server cluster
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system are disclosed for managing connections in a computer network. In accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a switch monitors information packets communicated through the switch on a connection between a client and a plurality of servers. Connection information in the switch is managed by the switch, in cooperation with the plurality of servers, upon receipt by the switch of information packets transmitted from the plurality of servers.