SCTP Load Balancing via Verification Tag Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current load balancing methods for Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP) messages face difficulties in identifying and correlating messages from different sources, leading to SCTP messages not being forwarded to the same network service node for processing, resulting in inefficient message handling.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a load balancing module to receive SCTP messages containing an address, port identifier, and verification tag, determining the associated application server and sending the message for processing, using a combination of hashing functions and load balancing data structures to ensure correct routing and processing of related messages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional load balancing methods are used for SCTP messages, then messages can be distributed across multiple servers, but messages from different sources cannot be correctly correlated and forwarded to the same application server
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing a mapping relationship between verification tags and application servers before SCTP messages arrive. The load balancing module maintains a data structure that stores verification tag to application server associations, allowing incoming messages to be quickly routed based on their verification tags without complex real-time analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - the verification tag - that serves as a mediator between the message source and the application server. Instead of directly correlating messages from different sources, the system uses verification tags as an intermediate identifier that links messages to their designated application servers, simplifying the routing process
2Reliability
If verification tags are used to identify application servers, then message correlation improves, but the load balancing data structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the load balancing data structure into distinct components: verification tag storage, application server identification, and mapping relationships. By dividing the data structure into manageable segments rather than using a monolithic complex structure, the system achieves accurate message correlation while keeping the data structure organization systematic and maintainable
Solution Approach 2:
The verification tag to application server mapping is established in advance through preliminary action. The load balancing module pre-populates its data structure with verification tag associations, so when messages arrive, simple lookup operations can determine the correct application server without requiring complex real-time processing
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a method for load balancing SCTP messages. The method includes receiving an SCTP message containing an address, a port identifier, and a verification tag. The method includes determining, using the verification tag, an associated application server from a plurality of application servers. The method includes sending the SCTP message to the application server for processing.