Mixed-Mode Virtual Server IPv4 IPv6 Protocol Detection Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large networks face challenges in adapting to new communication protocols like IPv6, requiring a phased transition and handling of both IPv4 and IPv6 protocols simultaneously, which complicates network management and traffic handling.
Innovation Solution
A mixed-mode virtual server is configured to handle service requests from clients using both IPv4 and IPv6 protocols by identifying the protocol type and forwarding requests to appropriate servers, enabling load balancing and seamless communication across different protocol types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large network phases in a new communication protocol (IPv6) over an extended period while supporting both IPv4 and IPv6, then the network maintains service continuity and avoids disruption, but the network management complexity and difficulty of handling mixed-protocol traffic increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between clients and servers. This gateway automatically detects the protocol type (IPv4 or IPv6) in incoming service requests and forwards them to the appropriate server configured for that protocol. The gateway acts as a mediator that handles protocol translation and routing, thereby reducing the management burden on network administrators while maintaining service continuity during the phased transition period.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the routing parameter based on the detected protocol type in service requests. When an IPv4 request is detected, it is routed to IPv4-configured servers; when an IPv6 request is detected, it is routed to IPv6-configured servers. This parameter-based routing approach simplifies mixed-protocol management by automatically adapting the forwarding behavior according to the request's protocol characteristics.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a network supports multiple concurrent internet protocols (IPv4 and IPv6) during a transitional period, then the network can accommodate both old and new equipment, but the difficulty of detecting and managing protocol-specific traffic increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway device employs protocol detection mechanisms that identify the protocol type (IPv4 or IPv6) in incoming service requests, analogous to detecting different colors. By examining protocol-specific headers and characteristics in the service requests, the gateway can distinguish between IPv4 and IPv6 traffic and apply appropriate routing rules, thereby simplifying the management of multi-protocol traffic.
3Productivity
If a virtual server is configured to bind multiple servers supporting multiple internet layer protocols, then the system can efficiently route service requests to the appropriate protocol-specific servers, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the server infrastructure into protocol-specific groups (IPv4 servers and IPv6 servers). The gateway virtual server is configured with separate bindings for each protocol type, allowing it to efficiently route IPv4 requests to IPv4 servers and IPv6 requests to IPv6 servers. This segmentation approach simplifies the configuration by organizing servers according to their protocol support, making the system more manageable despite handling multiple protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed towards systems and methods for mixed-mode load balancing by a virtual server in a network supporting a plurality of internet protocols. In various embodiments, a mixed-mode virtual server receives service requests based on two or more internet layer protocols. The mixed-mode virtual server is configured to detect an IP address type of the client issuing the service request, and identify the internet protocol of the service request based on the detected IP address type. The mixed-mode virtual server can then forward the request to a server supporting the identified internet protocol. In this manner, the mixed-mode virtual server can bind load balance servers supporting a plurality of internet protocols.