Network Switch Load Balancer Traffic Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for steering return traffic to a load balancer in a computing network require modifications to server configurations, installation of classifiers and routes on network devices, and source Network Address Translation (SNAT) operations, which are labor-intensive and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A network switch with a load balancer steering mechanism that uses an overlay network to automatically steer return traffic to the load balancer without modifying server configurations, installing classifiers on other network devices, or performing SNAT operations, by configuring port-profiles and encapsulating packets with overlay headers to redirect traffic through the load balancer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional methods are used to steer return traffic to a load balancer (modifying server configurations, installing classifiers on network devices, or performing SNAT operations), then traffic steering functionality is achieved, but the complexity of configuration and deployment increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network switch as an intermediary device that automatically steers return traffic to the load balancer using port-profiles and overlay networks. This intermediary handles the traffic steering logic centrally, eliminating the need for complex configurations on servers and other network devices. The switch uses encapsulation with overlay headers to redirect traffic transparently, providing automated steering without increasing overall system complexity.
2Productivity
If manual configuration methods are used for traffic steering, then traffic can be directed to the load balancer, but the time and labor required for deployment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network switch performs self-service by automatically learning and steering return traffic based on port-profile configurations. When a server is connected to a specific port, the switch automatically applies the corresponding port-profile that contains the steering logic. This eliminates manual configuration on each server and enables rapid deployment of load-balanced server clusters without time-consuming setup procedures.
3Reliability
If SNAT operations are performed to steer return traffic, then traffic routing is achieved, but network address translation overhead and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying source addresses through SNAT operations, the patent inverts the approach by using overlay network encapsulation and port-profile-based steering. The network switch identifies return traffic and redirects it to the load balancer using overlay headers without altering the original IP addresses. This maintains routing reliability while avoiding the complexity and overhead of SNAT operations throughout the network.
Data Source
AI summary
A network switch comprises a load balancer steering mechanism configured to receive a service request received from a load balancer and forward the service request to a first server in a load-balanced server cluster. The service request was initiated by a client and transmitted to the load balancer. The network switch is configured to receive return traffic transmitted by the first server, and to automatically steer the return traffic to the load balancer.