Autodiscovery System for MAC Forwarding Dispatcher
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In load balancing systems using the MAC transfer mode, it is difficult to accurately grasp the overall configuration and connection relationships between load balancing servers and cluster nodes, as network analysis at IP or higher layers recognizes packets with identical contents as overlapping, making it challenging to distinguish between MAC transfer and overlapping packet monitoring, especially in complex network structures.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus that acquires and compares network data flowing in the system, determines identical data sets, and identifies the source and destination addresses to distinguish between load balancing servers and cluster nodes, enabling the detection of logical connection relationships without relying on system administrator memory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network analysis is performed at IP or higher layers, then packet analysis can be conducted using standard network protocols, but packets with identical contents are recognized as overlapping and cannot be distinguished between MAC transfer and overlapping packet monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from analyzing packets at the IP layer to analyzing them at the MAC address layer. By extracting and comparing MAC addresses from packet headers, the system detects load balancing configurations that are invisible at higher protocol layers, thus resolving the overlap recognition problem while maintaining protocol compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces MAC address information as an intermediary element between packet content analysis and configuration detection. By using MAC addresses as a mediator to identify load balancing relationships, the system can distinguish between genuine packet overlaps and MAC transfer mode operations without requiring changes to higher-layer protocols.
2Measurement precision
If MAC address information is used for analysis, then load balancing system configuration can be detected, but complex knowledge of correspondence between physical and logical network structures is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the detection system to automatically extract and analyze MAC address information directly from captured packets without requiring external input or manual configuration. The system self-services by autonomously building the correspondence between physical and logical network structures through automated MAC address comparison and pattern recognition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the analysis parameter from high-level protocol content to low-level MAC address headers. By focusing on the MAC address field in packet headers, the system simplifies the analysis process while maintaining detection accuracy, as MAC addresses provide direct physical network identity information without requiring interpretation of complex logical structures.
3Ease of manufacture
If system administrator memory is relied upon for configuration information, then no additional detection apparatus is needed, but accurate and real-time configuration information cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the human cognitive system (system administrator's memory) with an automated electronic detection system. By substituting manual recollection with automated packet capture and MAC address analysis, the system achieves both real-time detection capability and high accuracy without requiring additional human resources or complex manual documentation processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, and computer program product for detecting a connection configuration of a network system. An embodiment includes acquiring first and second network data flowing in the network system; determining whether the contents of the first network data are identical with those of the second network data, and whether a destination address of the first network data is identical with a source address of the second network data; and providing output indicating that a load balancing apparatus is set to have the source address of the second network data, and that a cluster node is set to have a destination address of the second network data, in response to a determination that there is a coincidence in the above-mentioned determining step. The embodiment makes it possible to grasp a logical connection relationship of a current network, without relying on memory of a system administrator.