Virtual IP Failover in VPC Without Public IP Exposure
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Solution Overview
Problem
In redundant storage environments, the use of elastic IP addresses for failover creates a security risk due to the need for traffic to traverse the internet, as the target server is not publicly accessible until the elastic IP address is reassigned, introducing potential vulnerabilities.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a virtual IP address that is not publicly routable, allowing for seamless failover within a Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) without disrupting client communication, by enabling a secondary server to take over and updating the route table to direct traffic internally, thus eliminating the need for public IP address reassignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastic IP address is used for failover, then seamless failover is achieved, but security risk increases due to traffic traversing the internet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) as an intermediary network environment that mediates between the public internet and the target server. The VPC with private IP addressing serves as a secure intermediate zone, allowing failover without direct public internet exposure. The route table acts as a mediator to redirect traffic through the VPC internally, preventing the need for public IP reassignment and eliminating the security vulnerability of traffic traversing the public internet during failover.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If target server is kept private, then security is improved, but failover capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by adding a new dimensional layer - the VPC network layer with private IP addressing. Instead of relying on public IP addresses for failover, the system creates a separate private network dimension within the VPC where the target server can be accessed securely. The route table manipulation adds another dimension of control by dynamically routing traffic through this private network layer, enabling failover capability while maintaining the target server's private status and security posture.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for switching between a first server and a second server, each located within a virtual private cloud and the first server being located within a first zone and the second server being located within a second zone that is physically separate from the first zone. The method and apparatus further configured to determine that the first server has experienced a failure to send or receive data. The method and apparatus further configured to enable a second port on the second server. The method and apparatus further configured to create a new route table by the second server and flush the previous route table. The method and apparatus further configured to transmit, via the second port, a request to a virtual private cloud controller to update an elastic internet protocol address with the second port information and receive data from the virtual private cloud controller.