Multi-path Network Traffic Filtering Reducing Frame Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network traffic filtering devices often experience substantial frame losses during transitions between active and inactive nodes in multi-node active/passive high availability clusters, leading to communication disruptions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a multi-path network traffic filtering device with at least two fully operational filter processing paths, where incoming network traffic is sent to and filtered by multiple paths, and only one output is forwarded, ensuring redundancy and minimizing frame loss by processing duplicate traffic sets independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional active/passive high availability clustering is used, then network continuity is maintained during node failure, but substantial frame loss occurs during node transition
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the single active node into multiple active nodes (first active network node and second active network node), each handling different traffic flows. This segmentation allows parallel processing of traffic on multiple paths simultaneously, eliminating the transition frame loss inherent in single-node failover while maintaining network continuity through distributed active nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-establishing multiple active nodes with synchronized traffic flow tables before any failure occurs. Each node maintains ready-to-process traffic flow configurations, so when a node needs to be replaced, the standby node is already configured and can immediately take over without frame loss, rather than requiring transition time.
2Reliability
If multi-node active/passive clustering is implemented, then node redundancy is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the functionality of multiple active nodes with a single standby node into a unified cluster architecture. All nodes share a common control plane and synchronized traffic flow tables, allowing them to operate as a coordinated unit rather than independent devices. This merging reduces operational complexity while maintaining the redundancy benefits of multiple active nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
Each node in the cluster is designed with universal functionality, capable of serving as active, standby, or replacement node depending on operational needs. The nodes use standardized interfaces and synchronized traffic flow tables, allowing any node to perform any role in the cluster. This multi-functionality simplifies cluster management and reduces complexity compared to specialized node configurations.
3Ease of repair
If traditional failover methods are used, then node replacement is possible, but sub-second UDP frame loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring standby nodes with complete traffic flow tables and synchronization with active nodes before any failure occurs. This advance preparation ensures that when node replacement is needed, the standby node is already fully configured and can immediately assume the active role without any UDP frame loss, enabling easy repair while maintaining data integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuity of useful action by keeping standby nodes in a ready state with synchronized traffic flow information, ensuring that network traffic processing continues without interruption during node replacement. The standby node continuously receives and processes traffic flow table updates, maintaining readiness to take over immediately, thus preserving UDP frame continuity throughout the repair process.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments provide multi-path traffic filtering devices and methods for using such.