Modified Hostname GTM ID for Client-Aware Data Center Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current global traffic management systems often select the 'best' data center based on the location of the local DNS resolver rather than the actual client, leading to suboptimal network performance and increased latency.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves modifying hostnames with a Global Traffic Management Identifier (GTM ID) that allows the GTM server to select the most suitable data center for a client based on client-specific attributes, such as geographic region or ISP, without requiring modifications to the local DNS resolver, enabling improved network performance and scalability with additional data centers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the GTM server uses the LDNS IP address to determine the best data center, then the system is simple to implement, but the network performance and latency are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a modified hostname as an intermediary carrier that embeds client identification information. Instead of directly using LDNS IP or modifying DNS resolver behavior, the solution embeds client-specific GTM ID in the hostname itself, allowing the GTM server to identify the actual client without requiring changes to LDNS infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter used for data center selection from LDNS IP address to client-specific GTM ID embedded in the modified hostname. This parameter change enables accurate client identification and optimal data center selection while maintaining compatibility with existing DNS infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the GTM server uses the LDNS location to select data center, then the DNS infrastructure remains unchanged, but the traffic management accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hostname into multiple components, with the leftmost label containing the GTM ID that identifies the actual client. This segmentation allows the GTM server to extract client-specific information from the hostname while the rest of the DNS infrastructure continues to operate with standard hostname resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The modified hostname serves as an intermediary that carries client identification information through the existing DNS infrastructure without requiring modifications to LDNS or authoritative name servers. The GTM ID embedded in the hostname acts as a mediator that bridges the gap between existing DNS infrastructure and precise client identification.
3Measurement precision
If the system modifies hostnames with client-specific GTM ID, then the client identification accuracy improves, but the hostname structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the DNS resolver or authoritative name server to insert client identification information, the patent inverts the approach by having the client or edge device modify the hostname to include the GTM ID. This inversion simplifies the overall system architecture by pushing the modification function to the edge while keeping the core DNS infrastructure unchanged.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A particular method includes receiving a request from a client at a server and sending a global traffic management identifier in response to the request from the client. The global traffic management identifier is determined based on an attribute of the client. In response to the client requesting access to a service based on a modified hostname of the service, a data center associated with the service is identified based on the modified hostname of the service. The modified hostname identifies the global traffic management identifier, and the identified data center is useable by the client to access the service.