Service Integrated DNS Server Anycast Unicast Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying the closest and healthiest speed test server in communications networks are unreliable, particularly due to issues with global server load balancing, anycast routing, and static topology lists, which can lead to inaccurate client location identification and inconsistent server selection.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a service integrated domain name system (DNS) with both anycast and unicast interfaces, where the anycast interface routes requests to the closest DNS server and resolves to a unicast interface, allowing for reliable and consistent service requests by pinning the unicast IP address for repeated service requests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If global server load balancing (GSLB) is used to identify the closest server using DNS recursive server location, then server selection is automated, but the selected server may be farther from the client location reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a service integrated DNS server as an intermediary between the client and speed test servers. This DNS server receives client queries, determines the client's actual location, and resolves to the appropriate speed test server, thereby mediating the selection process to ensure both automation and accuracy based on real location data
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having the service integrated DNS server continuously monitor and determine client location, then use this information to accurately resolve to the nearest speed test server. The feedback loop ensures that server selection is based on actual client position rather than potentially inaccurate recursive server location
2Device complexity
If anycast routing is used to route speed test requests to the closest anycast speed test server, then routing is simplified, but routing may be inconsistent due to protocol changes causing requests to be routed to farther nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The service integrated DNS server acts as an intermediary that sits between the client and the anycast routing system. It receives client queries, determines actual client location, and performs DNS resolution to the specific unicast address of the appropriate speed test server, thereby mediating around the inconsistent anycast routing behavior
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces reliance on the mechanical anycast routing system with a DNS-based resolution mechanism. Instead of depending on routing protocols to deliver packets to the nearest server, the system uses DNS to explicitly resolve the client's domain name to the IP address of the closest speed test server based on actual location data
3Ease of operation
If a static topology list of speed test servers and their geo-location is maintained, then server selection is straightforward, but the process becomes cumbersome when servers are added or decommissioned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic approach where the service integrated DNS server continuously determines client location and resolves to appropriate speed test servers in real-time. Rather than maintaining a static topology list that requires manual updates, the system dynamically adapts to network changes by querying DNS and using location-based resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The service integrated DNS server performs self-service by automatically determining client location and selecting the appropriate speed test server without requiring manual intervention. The system updates its own routing decisions based on current network conditions and server availability, eliminating the need for manual topology maintenance
4Loss of information
If current processes for identifying client location are used, then location data is obtained, but the accuracy is insufficient for reliable server selection
Solution Approach 1:
The service integrated DNS server implements feedback by continuously monitoring and determining client location with high accuracy, then using this precise location information to resolve to the appropriate speed test server. The feedback loop ensures that location data is continuously updated and used for accurate server selection
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for service integrated domain name servers are described. A method for service integrated domain name server processing includes receiving, by a requesting device, a service fully qualified domain name (FQDN) and an anycast Internet Protocol (IP) address for service integrated domain name servers, where each service integrated domain name server includes the anycast IP address and a unicast IP address. The requesting device queries domain name servers on the service integrated domain name servers with the anycast IP address to resolve the service FQDN. The requesting device receives the unicast IP address from a closest service integrated domain name server. The requesting device saves the unicast IP address, sends to a service server on the closest service integrated domain name server, a service request on the unicast IP address and receives from the service server, results for the service request.