Load Balancer Routing to Partitioned Server Configurations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current load balancing approaches do not account for the varying configurations of partitions within a server, leading to inefficient resource utilization and increased operational costs due to underutilization of server resources and the need for separate administrators for distributed servers.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that identify and manage partitions on a server, determining their configurations and providing this information to a load balancer to route transactions based on the configuration, including resource allocation, response time, and other factors, allowing for dynamic and static partitioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple dedicated servers are used to handle transaction load, then service availability and departmental dedication are improved, but resource utilization deteriorates and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple dedicated servers into a single partitioned server system where multiple partitions share physical hardware resources. Each partition maintains dedicated functionality for specific departments while sharing underlying CPU, memory, and storage resources, thereby improving resource utilization while preserving service availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The partitioned server creates a universal platform where a single physical server can serve multiple departments and functions simultaneously through virtualized partitions. Each partition can be configured for different departmental needs (accounting, marketing, etc.) while sharing the same physical infrastructure, enabling one server to perform multiple dedicated functions.
2Ease of operation
If multiple servers are distributed across various locations, then departmental autonomy and service proximity are improved, but administrative complexity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple geographically distributed servers into a single centralized partitioned server located in one data center. Multiple virtual partitions within this single server can still serve different departments with dedicated configurations, reducing the need for multiple physical locations and simplifying administrative management while maintaining departmental autonomy through logical partitioning.
3Ease of operation
If current load balancing approaches are used without recognizing partition configurations, then routing simplicity is maintained, but resource allocation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the load balancer queries the partition manager to obtain real-time configuration information about each partition's resource allocation, capacity, and current load. This feedback enables the load balancer to make informed routing decisions that optimize resource allocation while maintaining automated operation without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the partition manager pre-establish and maintain configuration databases for each partition, including resource allocation details and capacity information. This preliminary preparation allows the load balancer to quickly retrieve and use this information for efficient routing decisions without real-time complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for routing a transaction to a partitioned server. The invention comprises identifying a plurality of partitions (e.g., logical, resource, etc.) on the server, determining a configuration for each partition, and providing the configuration to a load balancer, wherein the load balancer routes the transaction to one of the partitions based at least in part on the configuration thereof. The invention may further comprise assigning a rank to each partition based at least in part on the configuration thereof, wherein the transaction is routed based on the respective rank. The configuration may be determined in response to an event, on a continuous basis, etc. In addition, the load balancer may also use other factors, in combination with the configuration, to route the transaction to the partition, such as a characteristic of the transaction.