Network Load Balancing Apparatus with Virtual Function Packet Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network load balancing apparatuses lack the ability to dynamically change packet distribution control methods for each virtual machine (VM), leading to decreased throughput and limited functionality as the number of VMs increases, as they separate NIC control functions from VM control functions.
Innovation Solution
A network load balancing apparatus that includes a function transfer control unit to determine the destination VM based on packet field values or hash values, with priority and load balancing control units to direct packets to appropriate data buffers, allowing for flexible distribution methods across multiple VMs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If packets are distributed to multiple VMs using conventional load balancing apparatuses, then the number of VMs can be increased and resource utilization can be improved, but the throughput decreases and functionality is limited as the number of VMs increases due to separate NIC control functions and VM control functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the NIC control functions and VM control functions into a unified control structure. The load balancing apparatus integrates the ability to control packet distribution to multiple VMs while maintaining centralized management of both NIC and VM functions, eliminating the separation that caused throughput degradation. This allows the system to scale to multiple VMs without the performance penalty of separate control planes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional load balancing apparatuses are used with multiple VMs, then resource utilization can be improved, but dynamic adjustment of packet distribution control methods for each VM is not possible, leading to limited functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control methods that allow packet distribution strategies to be adjusted for each individual VM based on its specific requirements. The system can dynamically select different distribution control methods (such as round-robin, weighted, or priority-based) for different VMs, enabling fine-grained control while managing complexity through a unified control architecture that handles these dynamics centrally.
Data Source
AI summary
A network load balancing apparatus has a data buffer provided to each communication path of transfer destinations of a received packet and being associated with a virtual function, determines a destination virtual function based on a field value of the received packet, determines a communication path of a transfer destination of a packet to be subject to priority control based on a first hash value calculated using the field value, determines a communication path of a transfer destination of a packet to be subject to load balancing control, to match a preset load balancing situation of the data buffer, based on a second hash value based on the first hash value, and transmits the packet to a data buffer corresponding to the destination virtual function and the communication path of the transfer destination.