Single VIP Cluster Load Balancer for Flat and Routed Client Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network solutions require each controller in a cluster to maintain two sets of IP addresses for flat and routed clients, leading to inefficiencies and increased administrative burden.
Innovation Solution
Implement a system where a dedicated client load balancer monitors ARP requests and assigns controllers using a single virtual IP, distinguishing between flat and routed clients based on target VIPs, and applies load balancing logic to manage connections efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If each controller maintains two sets of IP addresses for flat and routed clients, then both client types can be supported, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the management of flat and routed client IP addresses into a single unified VIP (Virtual IP) address space. Instead of maintaining separate IP address sets for flat and routed clients, the system uses a single VIP that can be reached through multiple paths (direct network connection or via router), thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining support for both client types.
Solution Approach 2:
The VIP address is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously - it can be accessed by both flat clients (through direct network connection) and routed clients (through router gateway). This universal address eliminates the need for separate IP address management for different client types, reducing administrative burden while maintaining versatility.
2Ease of operation
If separate IP addresses are used for flat and routed clients, then client identification is simplified, but administrative burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines the identification of flat and routed clients under a single VIP address framework. The load balancer monitors ARP requests and determines client type (flat or routed) based on the request characteristics, eliminating the need for separate IP address management and reducing administrative burden while maintaining clear client identification.
3Device complexity
If a single VIP is used for both flat and routed clients, then IP management is simplified, but client differentiation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The load balancer acts as an intermediary that monitors ARP requests and determines client type (flat or routed) based on the request characteristics. This intermediary component enables clear client differentiation and appropriate load balancing decisions while the system maintains a simplified single VIP address structure, resolving the contradiction between simplified IP management and client differentiation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system for managing flat and routed clients in a cluster using single virtual IP (VIP) are provided herein. The method includes broadcasting an ARP request from a client to a cluster of nodes; monitoring the broadcasted ARP request at one of the nodes and ignoring the ARP request at all other nodes; in a case that the monitored ARP requests is associated with a different target VIP for same client IP, determining the client associated with the ARP request as a routed client, otherwise the client is determined as a flat client; applying at least one load balancing logic for assigning one of the nodes to the client associated with the ARP request, wherein both flat clients and routed clients are treated as independent clients counted separately; and notifying the client associated with the ARP of a MAC address of the assigned node.