VRRP Group Load Balancing via Priority Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP) lacks an automated mechanism for traffic load balancing, leading to sub-optimal use of network resources and requiring complex manual configuration to distribute traffic effectively among multiple routers.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a Group Load Balancing (GLB) mechanism by adjusting the priority values of VRRP routers and using a GLB ID in VRRPv3 formatted packets to dynamically select masters for different VLANs, allowing for automatic load distribution without manual planning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual configuration is used to distribute traffic among multiple routers, then load balancing can be achieved, but the configuration complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables routers to automatically perform load balancing operations through the GLB mechanism. Routers exchange GLB ID information via VRRP packets and autonomously determine master relationships without requiring manual configuration. The priority adjustment and master selection processes occur automatically based on GLB ID comparisons, allowing the network to self-organize for optimal load distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces GLB ID as a new parameter in VRRP packets and dynamically adjusts priority values based on GLB ID relationships. By changing the priority parameter automatically according to GLB ID comparisons, the system achieves load balancing without manual intervention. The priority value modification is the key parameter change that enables automated master selection and traffic distribution.
2Productivity
If a single master router is used in VRRP, then protocol simplicity is maintained, but network resource utilization becomes sub-optimal
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the single master router role into multiple master routers, each responsible for specific VLANs or traffic groups. By dividing the master functionality across multiple routers based on GLB ID assignments, the system achieves better network resource utilization while maintaining VRRP's fundamental simplicity. Each router can be master for different virtual router groups, distributing the load effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces dynamic master selection based on GLB ID comparisons and priority adjustments. Instead of a static single master configuration, the master relationship becomes dynamic and adaptable, allowing multiple routers to assume master roles for different virtual router groups. This dynamic behavior enables optimal resource utilization while the underlying VRRP protocol structure remains relatively simple.
3Productivity
If manual planning is used for traffic distribution, then load balancing can be implemented, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The GLB mechanism enables routers to automatically perform traffic distribution planning through peer-to-peer GLB ID exchange and comparison. Routers autonomously determine their master relationships and adjust priorities without requiring network administrators to manually plan and configure traffic distribution. The system self-organizes based on GLB ID values, dramatically simplifying operation while maintaining efficient load balancing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary action by pre-configuring GLB IDs on routers before network operation. These pre-assigned GLB IDs enable automatic master selection and load balancing without requiring runtime manual planning. The preliminary assignment of GLB identifiers sets up the framework for automated traffic distribution, eliminating the need for complex manual planning during operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Load balancing in a network section implementing VRRPv3 may be supported in a way that is easier to implement than that described in § 4.2 of RFC 5798. This may be done by (a) receiving, by a virtual router redundancy protocol (VRRP) router on a local area network (LAN), a group load balancing identifier (GLB ID) value; (b) sending, by the VRRP router, the GLB ID value to at least one peer VRRP router on the LAN, the VRRP router and the at least one peer VRRP router on the LAN defining a group of peer VRRP routers; and (c) responsive to receiving, by the VRRP router, a GLB ID value from a peer VRRP router on the LAN, (1) selecting a master for the group of peer VRRP routers, and (2) responsive to the VRRP router selecting itself as the master for the group of VRRP routers, (A) adjusting, by the VRRP router, a priority value of the VRRP router for the group of VRRP routers, and (B) sending, by the VRRP router, a notification to the at least one VRRP peer device, that the VRRP router is the master for the group of VRRP routers.