Load Balancer Selecting Relay Apparatus by Location and Process Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional load distribution techniques fail to consider the installation location and process load of relay apparatuses, leading to compromised real-time performance in P2P communication, especially during video or voice communication, where high bandwidth and low latency are required.
Innovation Solution
A load distribution apparatus and method that selects an optimal relay apparatus based on its installation site and process load, using techniques like IP Anycast and load management to ensure efficient routing and dynamic adjustment of relay resources, such as increasing or decreasing relay apparatuses as needed to maintain low latency and reduce operational costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If relay apparatus is used to enable P2P communication between terminals in different private networks, then communication connectivity is improved, but process load of the relay apparatus becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the relay function by introducing multiple relay apparatuses (relay servers) distributed across different locations. Instead of concentrating all relay traffic on a single apparatus, the system divides the workload across multiple segmented relay nodes, reducing the process load on each individual relay apparatus while maintaining communication connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of relay apparatus distribution from centralized to distributed across multiple locations. By altering the deployment parameter (single relay vs. multiple relays) and using load distribution techniques, the system reduces the process load on each relay apparatus while maintaining the ability to enable P2P communication between terminals in different private networks.
2Area of stationary object
If relay apparatus is installed far from terminals to provide wide coverage, then service area is improved, but communication delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the relay service area by deploying multiple relay apparatuses at different geographic locations. Each relay apparatus serves a local area, reducing the distance between terminals and their designated relay. This segmentation of service areas allows wide overall coverage while maintaining low communication delay within each local service area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by having different relay apparatuses located in different geographic areas, each optimized for its local service area. Terminals are assigned to relays based on their location, ensuring that communication goes through the nearest relay apparatus. This local optimization reduces communication delay while collectively providing wide service area coverage.
3Productivity
If multiple relay apparatuses are deployed to reduce process load, then load distribution is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the system configuration parameter from single relay to multiple relays to achieve load distribution. By introducing multiple relay apparatuses with identical or similar functionality, the system distributes the processing load across multiple nodes. The complexity increase is managed through standardized relay apparatus designs and automated load distribution mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
A load distribution apparatus connected, via a network, to a plurality of relay apparatuses that relay communication performed by a terminal, and to the terminal, including: storage means configured to store relay apparatus identifiers that identify each of the plurality of relay apparatuses, installation site information that indicates installation sites of each of the plurality of relay apparatuses, and load information that indicates loads of each of the plurality of relay apparatuses; load management means configured to collect the load information from each of the plurality of relay apparatuses to store the load information in the storage means; selection means configured, when receiving a request from the terminal, to select a relay apparatus for relaying communication performed by the terminal from among the plurality of relay apparatuses based on the installation site information or the load information; and transmission means configured to transmit, to the terminal that transmits the request, a relay apparatus identifier of the relay apparatus selected by the selection means.