Patent US6490632B1 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6490632B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
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High performance load balancing and fail over support of internet protocol exchange traffic over multiple network interface cards
Assignee: HP Inc
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Filing: 1999-03-18
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Granted: 2002-12-03
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Expires: 2019-03-18
Abstract
Abstract A method for selecting a network interface card (NIC) to be used to send and receive data packets in an Internetwork Protocol Exchange (IPX) environment using a server computer system having a plurality of NICs coupled thereto. An outgoing data packet is addressed using an IPX address and a socket number. A load balancing scheme is executed in order to select a NIC from the plurality of NICs. In one embodiment, the load balancing scheme is a function of the IPX address; in alternate embodiments, the load balancing scheme is a function of the IPX address and either the destination or source socket number. The media access control (MAC) address that represents the selected NIC is inserted in the outgoing data packet. The data packet is then sent using the selected NIC. In one embodiment, the present invention also provides a system and method for fault tolerance and fail over support. The plurality of NICs each include a filter that is adapted to mask a portion of a MAC address in an incoming data packet received at a NIC such that the MAC address in the incoming data packet is equivalent to the MAC address representing the NIC.
Inventors
- 👤 Ramkrishna Vepa
- 👤 Roman G. Baker
- 👤 Sameer Nanda
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 07:00
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04L; H04L61/00; H04L61/35; H04L67/00; H04L67/01; H04L67/10; H04L67/1001; H04L67/1004; H04L67/1006; H04L67/1023; H04L67/1034; H04L69/00; H04L69/40; H04L9/00; H04L9/40; H04L67/10015
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 39
Claim 1
Independent Claim
135 words
In a server computer system adapted to have a plurality of network interface cards (NICs) coupled thereto, a method for selecting a NIC for sending and receiving data packets in an Internet Protocol Exchange (IPX) environment, said method comprising the computer-implemented steps of: a) addressing an outgoing data packet using an IPX address and a socket number; b) executing a load balancing scheme to specify a first NIC from said plurality of NICs, wherein said load balancing scheme is defined as: SelectedNIC=(IPXAddress)MOD(NumberNICs); wherein SelectedNIC is said first NIC, IPXAddress is said IPX address, and NumberNICs is the number of said plurality of NICs; c) inserting a media access control (MAC) address in said outgoing data packet, wherein said MAC address represents said first NIC; and d) sending said outgoing data packet using said first NIC.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
135 words
In a server computer system adapted to have a plurality of network interface cards (NICs) coupled thereto, a method for selecting a NIC for sending and receiving data packets in an Internet Protocol Exchange (IPX) environment, said method comprising the computer-implemented steps of: a) addressing an outgoing data packet using an IPX address and a socket number; b) executing a load balancing scheme to specify a first NIC from said plurality of NICs, wherein said load balancing scheme is defined as: SelectedNIC=(IPXAddress)MOD(NumberNICs); wherein SelectedNIC is said first NIC, IPXAddress is said IPX address, and NumberNICs is the number of said plurality of NICs; c) inserting a media access control (MAC) address in said outgoing data packet, wherein said MAC address represents said first NIC; and d) sending said outgoing data packet using said first NIC.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method for selecting a NIC for sending and receiving data packets as recited in claim 1 further comprising the steps of: e) verifying functionality of said first NIC using a fault tolerance scheme; and f) automatically switching from said first NIC to a second NIC when said fault tolerance scheme indicates said first NIC is not available.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method for selecting a NIC for sending and receiving data packets as recited in claim 2 further comprising the step of: using a filter to mask a portion of a MAC address in an incoming data packet such that said MAC address in said incoming data packet is equivalent to a MAC address representing said second NIC.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method for selecting a NIC for sending and receiving data packets as recited in claim 1 wherein said step a) further comprises: addressing said outgoing data packet using a virtual MAC address representing said plurality of NICs; and wherein said step c) comprises: replacing said virtual MAC address with said MAC address of said first NIC.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method for selecting a NIC for sending and receiving data packets as recited in claim 1 wherein said step b) further comprises: selecting said load balancing scheme from a plurality of load balancing schemes.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
48 words
The method for selecting a NIC for sending and receiving data packets as recited in claim 5 wherein said step b) further comprises: dynamically switching from a first load balancing scheme to a second load balancing scheme when one of said plurality of NICs is not being used.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
154 words
A server-side computer system comprising: a bus; a processor coupled to said bus; and a computer-readable memory unit coupled to said bus; said computer system adapted to have a plurality of network interface cards (NICs) coupled thereto; said processor for performing a method for selecting a NIC for sending and receiving data packets, said method comprising the steps of: a) addressing an outgoing data packet using an Internet Protocol Exchange (IPX) address and a socket number; b) executing a load balancing scheme to specify a first NIC from said plurality of NICs, wherein said load balancing scheme is defined as: SelectedNIC=(IPXAddress)MOD(NumberNICs); wherein SelectedNIC is said first NIC, IPXAddress is said IPX address, and NumberNICs is the number of said plurality of NICs; c) inserting a media access control (MAC) address in said outgoing data packet, wherein said MAC address represents said first NIC; and d) sending said outgoing data packet using said first NIC.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
154 words
A server-side computer system comprising: a bus; a processor coupled to said bus; and a computer-readable memory unit coupled to said bus; said computer system adapted to have a plurality of network interface cards (NICs) coupled thereto; said processor for performing a method for selecting a NIC for sending and receiving data packets, said method comprising the steps of: a) addressing an outgoing data packet using an Internet Protocol Exchange (IPX) address and a socket number; b) executing a load balancing scheme to specify a first NIC from said plurality of NICs, wherein said load balancing scheme is defined as: SelectedNIC=(IPXAddress)MOD(NumberNICs); wherein SelectedNIC is said first NIC, IPXAddress is said IPX address, and NumberNICs is the number of said plurality of NICs; c) inserting a media access control (MAC) address in said outgoing data packet, wherein said MAC address represents said first NIC; and d) sending said outgoing data packet using said first NIC.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
63 words
The computer system of claim 7 wherein said processor performs said method for selecting a NIC for sending and receiving data packets further comprising the steps of: e) verifying functionality of said first NIC using a fault tolerance scheme; and f) automatically switching from said first NIC to a second NIC when said fault tolerance scheme indicates said first NIC is not available.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
62 words
The computer system of claim 8 wherein said processor performs said method for selecting a NIC for sending and receiving data further comprising the step of: using a filter to mask a portion of a MAC address in an incoming data packet such that said MAC address in said incoming data packet is equivalent to a MAC address representing said second NIC.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
58 words
The computer system of claim 7 wherein said processor performs said method for sending and receiving data packets wherein said step a) further comprises: addressing said outgoing data packet using a virtual MAC address representing said plurality of NICs; and wherein said step c) comprises: replacing said virtual MAC address with said MAC address of said first NIC.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
36 words
The computer system of claim 7 wherein said processor performs said method for sending and receiving data packets wherein said step b) further comprises: selecting said load balancing scheme from a plurality of load balancing schemes.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
49 words
The computer system of claim 11 wherein said processor performs said method for sending and receiving data packets wherein said step b) further comprises: dynamically switching from a first load balancing scheme to a second load balancing scheme when one of said plurality of NICs is not being used.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
128 words
A computer-usable medium having computer readable program code embodied therein for causing a server-side computer system adapted to have a plurality of network interface cards (NICs) coupled thereto to perform the steps of: a) addressing an outgoing data packet using an Internet Protocol Exchange (IPX) address and a socket number; b) executing a load balancing scheme to specify a first NIC from said plurality of NICs, wherein said load balancing scheme is defined as: SelectedNIC=(IPXAddress)MOD(NumberNICs); wherein SelectedNIC is said first NIC, IPXAddress is said IPX address, and NumberNICs is the number of said plurality of NICs; c) inserting a media access control (MAC) address in said outgoing data packet, wherein said MAC address represents said first NIC; and d) sending said outgoing data packet using said first NIC.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
128 words
A computer-usable medium having computer readable program code embodied therein for causing a server-side computer system adapted to have a plurality of network interface cards (NICs) coupled thereto to perform the steps of: a) addressing an outgoing data packet using an Internet Protocol Exchange (IPX) address and a socket number; b) executing a load balancing scheme to specify a first NIC from said plurality of NICs, wherein said load balancing scheme is defined as: SelectedNIC=(IPXAddress)MOD(NumberNICs); wherein SelectedNIC is said first NIC, IPXAddress is said IPX address, and NumberNICs is the number of said plurality of NICs; c) inserting a media access control (MAC) address in said outgoing data packet, wherein said MAC address represents said first NIC; and d) sending said outgoing data packet using said first NIC.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
59 words
The computer-usable medium of claim 13 wherein said computer-readable program code embodied therein causes a server-side computer system to perform the steps of: e) verifying functionality of said first NIC using a fault tolerance scheme; and f) automatically switching from said first NIC to a second NIC when said fault tolerance scheme indicates said first NIC is not available.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
59 words
The computer-usable medium of claim 14 wherein said computer-readable program code embodied therein causes a server-side computer system to perform the steps of: using a filter to mask a portion of a MAC address in an incoming data packet such that said MAC address in said incoming data packet is equivalent to a MAC address representing said second NIC.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
52 words
The computer-usable medium of claim 13 wherein said computer-readable program code embodied therein causes a server-side computer system to perform the steps of: addressing said outgoing data packet using a virtual MAC address representing said plurality of NICs; and replacing said virtual MAC address with said MAC address of said first NIC.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
35 words
The computer-usable medium of claim 13 wherein said computer-readable program code embodied therein causes a server-side computer system to perform the step of: selecting said load balancing scheme from a plurality of load balancing schemes.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
48 words
The computer-usable medium of claim 17 wherein said computer-readable program code embodied therein causes a server-side computer system to perform the step of: dynamically switching from a first load balancing scheme to a second load balancing scheme when one of said plurality of NICs is not being used.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
144 words
In a server computer system adapted to have a plurality of network interface cards (NICs) coupled thereto, a method for selecting a NIC for sending and receiving data packets in an Internet Protocol Exchange (IPX) environment, said method comprising the computer-implemented steps of: a) addressing an outgoing data packet using an IPX address and a socket number; b) executing a load balancing scheme to specify a first NIC from said plurality of NICs, wherein said load balancing scheme is defined as: SelectedNIC=((IPXAddress)XOR(DestIPXSocket))MOD(NumberNICs); wherein SelectedNIC is said first NIC, IPXAddress is said IPX address, DestIPXSocket is said socket number for a destination socket, and NumberNICs is the number of said plurality of NICs; c) inserting a media access control (MAC) address in said outgoing data packet, wherein said MAC address represents said first NIC; and d) sending said outgoing data packet using said first NIC.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
144 words
In a server computer system adapted to have a plurality of network interface cards (NICs) coupled thereto, a method for selecting a NIC for sending and receiving data packets in an Internet Protocol Exchange (IPX) environment, said method comprising the computer-implemented steps of: a) addressing an outgoing data packet using an IPX address and a socket number; b) executing a load balancing scheme to specify a first NIC from said plurality of NICs, wherein said load balancing scheme is defined as: SelectedNIC=((IPXAddress)XOR(DestIPXSocket))MOD(NumberNICs); wherein SelectedNIC is said first NIC, IPXAddress is said IPX address, DestIPXSocket is said socket number for a destination socket, and NumberNICs is the number of said plurality of NICs; c) inserting a media access control (MAC) address in said outgoing data packet, wherein said MAC address represents said first NIC; and d) sending said outgoing data packet using said first NIC.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
153 words
In a server computer system adapted to have a plurality of network interface cards (NICs) coupled thereto, a method for selecting a NIC for sending and receiving data packets in an Internet Protocol Exchange (IPX) environment, said method comprising the computer-implemented steps of: a) addressing an outgoing data packet using an IPX address and a socket number; b) executing a load balancing scheme to specify a first NIC from said plurality of NICs, wherein said load balancing scheme is defined as: SelectedNIC=((IPXAddress)XOR((SourceIPXSocket)XOR(DestIPXSocket)))MOD(NumberNICs); wherein SelectedNIC is said first NIC, IPXAddress is said IPX address, SourceIPXSocket is said socket number for a source socket, DestIPXSocket is said socket number for a destination socket, and NumberNICs is the number of said plurality of NICs; c) inserting a media access control (MAC) address in said outgoing data packet, wherein said MAC address represents said first NIC; and d) sending said outgoing data packet using said first NIC.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
153 words
In a server computer system adapted to have a plurality of network interface cards (NICs) coupled thereto, a method for selecting a NIC for sending and receiving data packets in an Internet Protocol Exchange (IPX) environment, said method comprising the computer-implemented steps of: a) addressing an outgoing data packet using an IPX address and a socket number; b) executing a load balancing scheme to specify a first NIC from said plurality of NICs, wherein said load balancing scheme is defined as: SelectedNIC=((IPXAddress)XOR((SourceIPXSocket)XOR(DestIPXSocket)))MOD(NumberNICs); wherein SelectedNIC is said first NIC, IPXAddress is said IPX address, SourceIPXSocket is said socket number for a source socket, DestIPXSocket is said socket number for a destination socket, and NumberNICs is the number of said plurality of NICs; c) inserting a media access control (MAC) address in said outgoing data packet, wherein said MAC address represents said first NIC; and d) sending said outgoing data packet using said first NIC.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
144 words
In a server computer system adapted to have a plurality of network interface cards (NICs) coupled thereto, a method for selecting a NIC for sending and receiving data packets in an Internet Protocol Exchange (IPX) environment, said method comprising the computer-implemented steps of: a) addressing an outgoing data packet using an IPX address and a socket number; b) executing a load balancing scheme to specify a first NIC from said plurality of NICs, wherein said load balancing scheme is defined as: SelectedNIC=((IPXAddress)XOR(SourceIPXSocket))MOD(NumberNICs); wherein SelectedNIC is said first NIC, IPXAddress is said IPX address, SourceIPXSocket is said socket number for a destination socket, and NumberNICs is the number of said plurality of NICs; c) inserting a media access control (MAC) address in said outgoing data packet, wherein said MAC address represents said first NIC; and d) sending said outgoing data packet using said first NIC.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
144 words
In a server computer system adapted to have a plurality of network interface cards (NICs) coupled thereto, a method for selecting a NIC for sending and receiving data packets in an Internet Protocol Exchange (IPX) environment, said method comprising the computer-implemented steps of: a) addressing an outgoing data packet using an IPX address and a socket number; b) executing a load balancing scheme to specify a first NIC from said plurality of NICs, wherein said load balancing scheme is defined as: SelectedNIC=((IPXAddress)XOR(SourceIPXSocket))MOD(NumberNICs); wherein SelectedNIC is said first NIC, IPXAddress is said IPX address, SourceIPXSocket is said socket number for a destination socket, and NumberNICs is the number of said plurality of NICs; c) inserting a media access control (MAC) address in said outgoing data packet, wherein said MAC address represents said first NIC; and d) sending said outgoing data packet using said first NIC.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
163 words
A server-side computer system comprising: a bus; a processor coupled to said bus; and a computer-readable memory unit coupled to said bus; said computer system adapted to have a plurality of network interface cards (NICs) coupled thereto; said processor for performing a method for selecting a NIC for sending and receiving data packets, said method comprising the steps of: a) addressing an outgoing data packet using an Internet Protocol Exchange (IPX) address and a socket number; b) executing a load balancing scheme to specify a first NIC from said plurality of NICs, wherein said load balancing scheme is defined as: SelectedNIC=((IPXAddress)XOR(DestIPXSocket))MOD(NumberNICs); wherein SelectedNIC is said first NIC, IPXAddress is said IPX address, DestIPXSocket is said socket number for a destination socket, and NumberNICs is the number of said plurality of NICs; c) inserting a media access control (MAC) address in said outgoing data packet, wherein said MAC address represents said first NIC; and d) sending said outgoing data packet using said first NIC.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
163 words
A server-side computer system comprising: a bus; a processor coupled to said bus; and a computer-readable memory unit coupled to said bus; said computer system adapted to have a plurality of network interface cards (NICs) coupled thereto; said processor for performing a method for selecting a NIC for sending and receiving data packets, said method comprising the steps of: a) addressing an outgoing data packet using an Internet Protocol Exchange (IPX) address and a socket number; b) executing a load balancing scheme to specify a first NIC from said plurality of NICs, wherein said load balancing scheme is defined as: SelectedNIC=((IPXAddress)XOR(DestIPXSocket))MOD(NumberNICs); wherein SelectedNIC is said first NIC, IPXAddress is said IPX address, DestIPXSocket is said socket number for a destination socket, and NumberNICs is the number of said plurality of NICs; c) inserting a media access control (MAC) address in said outgoing data packet, wherein said MAC address represents said first NIC; and d) sending said outgoing data packet using said first NIC.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
172 words
A server-side computer system comprising: a bus; a processor coupled to said bus; and a computer-readable memory unit coupled to said bus; said computer system adapted to have a plurality of network interface cards (NICs) coupled thereto; said processor for performing a method for selecting a NIC for sending and receiving data packets, said method comprising the steps of: a) addressing an outgoing data packet using an Internet Protocol Exchange (IPX) address and a socket number; b) executing a load balancing scheme to specify a first NIC from said plurality of NICs, wherein said load balancing scheme is defined as: SelectedNIC=((IPXAddress)XOR((SourceIPXSocket)XOR(DestIPXSocket)))MOD(NumberNICs); wherein SelectedNIC is said first NIC, IPXAddress is said IPX address, SourceIPXSocket is said socket number for a source socket, DestIPXSocket is said socket number for a destination socket, and NumberNICs is the number of said plurality of NICs; c) inserting a media access control (MAC) address in said outgoing data packet, wherein said MAC address represents said first NIC; and d) sending said outgoing data packet using said first NIC.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
172 words
A server-side computer system comprising: a bus; a processor coupled to said bus; and a computer-readable memory unit coupled to said bus; said computer system adapted to have a plurality of network interface cards (NICs) coupled thereto; said processor for performing a method for selecting a NIC for sending and receiving data packets, said method comprising the steps of: a) addressing an outgoing data packet using an Internet Protocol Exchange (IPX) address and a socket number; b) executing a load balancing scheme to specify a first NIC from said plurality of NICs, wherein said load balancing scheme is defined as: SelectedNIC=((IPXAddress)XOR((SourceIPXSocket)XOR(DestIPXSocket)))MOD(NumberNICs); wherein SelectedNIC is said first NIC, IPXAddress is said IPX address, SourceIPXSocket is said socket number for a source socket, DestIPXSocket is said socket number for a destination socket, and NumberNICs is the number of said plurality of NICs; c) inserting a media access control (MAC) address in said outgoing data packet, wherein said MAC address represents said first NIC; and d) sending said outgoing data packet using said first NIC.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
163 words
A server-side computer system comprising: a bus; a processor coupled to said bus; and a computer-readable memory unit coupled to said bus; said computer system adapted to have a plurality of network interface cards (NICs) coupled thereto; said processor for performing a method for selecting a NIC for sending and receiving data packets, said method comprising the steps of: a) addressing an outgoing data packet using an Internet Protocol Exchange (IPX) address and a socket number; b) executing a load balancing scheme to specify a first NIC from said plurality of NICs, wherein said load balancing scheme is defined as: SelectedNIC=((IPXAddress)XOR(SourceIPXSocket))MOD(NumberNICs); wherein SelectedNIC is said first NIC, IPXAddress is said IPX address, SourceIPXSocket is said socket number for a destination socket, and NumberNICs is the number of said plurality of NICs; c) inserting a media access control (MAC) address in said outgoing data packet, wherein said MAC address represents said first NIC; and d) sending said outgoing data packet using said first NIC.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
163 words
A server-side computer system comprising: a bus; a processor coupled to said bus; and a computer-readable memory unit coupled to said bus; said computer system adapted to have a plurality of network interface cards (NICs) coupled thereto; said processor for performing a method for selecting a NIC for sending and receiving data packets, said method comprising the steps of: a) addressing an outgoing data packet using an Internet Protocol Exchange (IPX) address and a socket number; b) executing a load balancing scheme to specify a first NIC from said plurality of NICs, wherein said load balancing scheme is defined as: SelectedNIC=((IPXAddress)XOR(SourceIPXSocket))MOD(NumberNICs); wherein SelectedNIC is said first NIC, IPXAddress is said IPX address, SourceIPXSocket is said socket number for a destination socket, and NumberNICs is the number of said plurality of NICs; c) inserting a media access control (MAC) address in said outgoing data packet, wherein said MAC address represents said first NIC; and d) sending said outgoing data packet using said first NIC.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
137 words
A computer-usable medium having computer readable program code embodied therein for causing a server-side computer system adapted to have a plurality of network interface cards (NICs) coupled thereto to perform the steps of: a) addressing an outgoing data packet using an Internet Protocol Exchange (IPX) address and a socket number; b) executing a load balancing scheme to specify a first NIC from said plurality of NICs, wherein said load balancing scheme is defined as: SelectedNIC=((IPXAddress)XOR(DestIPXSocket))MOD(NumberNICs); wherein SelectedNIC is said first NIC, IPXAddress is said IPX address, DestIPXSocket is said socket number for a destination socket, and NumberNICs is the number of said plurality of NICs; c) inserting a media access control (MAC) address in said outgoing data packet, wherein said MAC address represents said first NIC; and d) sending said outgoing data packet using said first NIC.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
137 words
A computer-usable medium having computer readable program code embodied therein for causing a server-side computer system adapted to have a plurality of network interface cards (NICs) coupled thereto to perform the steps of: a) addressing an outgoing data packet using an Internet Protocol Exchange (IPX) address and a socket number; b) executing a load balancing scheme to specify a first NIC from said plurality of NICs, wherein said load balancing scheme is defined as: SelectedNIC=((IPXAddress)XOR(DestIPXSocket))MOD(NumberNICs); wherein SelectedNIC is said first NIC, IPXAddress is said IPX address, DestIPXSocket is said socket number for a destination socket, and NumberNICs is the number of said plurality of NICs; c) inserting a media access control (MAC) address in said outgoing data packet, wherein said MAC address represents said first NIC; and d) sending said outgoing data packet using said first NIC.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
146 words
A computer-usable medium having computer readable program code embodied therein for causing a server-side computer system adapted to have a plurality of network interface cards (NICs) coupled thereto to perform the steps of: a) addressing an outgoing data packet using an Internet Protocol Exchange (IPX) address and a socket number; b) executing a load balancing scheme to specify a first NIC from said plurality of NICs, wherein said load balancing scheme is defined as: SelectedNIC=((IPXAddress)XOR((SourceIPXSocket)XOR(DestIPXSocket)))MOD(NumberNICs); wherein SelectedNIC is said first NIC, IPXAddress is said IPX address, SourceIPXSocket is said socket number for a source socket, DestIPXSocket is said socket number for a destination socket, and NumberNICs is the number of said plurality of NICs; c) inserting a media access control (MAC) address in said outgoing data packet, wherein said MAC address represents said first NIC; and d) sending said outgoing data packet using said first NIC.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
146 words
A computer-usable medium having computer readable program code embodied therein for causing a server-side computer system adapted to have a plurality of network interface cards (NICs) coupled thereto to perform the steps of: a) addressing an outgoing data packet using an Internet Protocol Exchange (IPX) address and a socket number; b) executing a load balancing scheme to specify a first NIC from said plurality of NICs, wherein said load balancing scheme is defined as: SelectedNIC=((IPXAddress)XOR((SourceIPXSocket)XOR(DestIPXSocket)))MOD(NumberNICs); wherein SelectedNIC is said first NIC, IPXAddress is said IPX address, SourceIPXSocket is said socket number for a source socket, DestIPXSocket is said socket number for a destination socket, and NumberNICs is the number of said plurality of NICs; c) inserting a media access control (MAC) address in said outgoing data packet, wherein said MAC address represents said first NIC; and d) sending said outgoing data packet using said first NIC.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
137 words
A computer-usable medium having computer readable program code embodied therein for causing a server-side computer system adapted to have a plurality of network interface cards (NICs) coupled thereto to perform the steps of: a) addressing an outgoing data packet using an Internet Protocol Exchange (IPX) address and a socket number; b) executing a load balancing scheme to specify a first NIC from said plurality of NICs, wherein said load balancing scheme is defined as SelectedNIC=((IPXAddress)XOR(SourceIPXSocket))MOD(NumberNICs); wherein SelectedNIC is said first NIC, IPXAddress is said IPX address, SourceIPXSocket is said socket number for a destination socket, and NumberNICs is the number of said plurality of NICs; c) inserting a media access control (MAC) address in said outgoing data packet, wherein said MAC address represents said first NIC; and d) sending said outgoing data packet using said first NIC.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
137 words
A computer-usable medium having computer readable program code embodied therein for causing a server-side computer system adapted to have a plurality of network interface cards (NICs) coupled thereto to perform the steps of: a) addressing an outgoing data packet using an Internet Protocol Exchange (IPX) address and a socket number; b) executing a load balancing scheme to specify a first NIC from said plurality of NICs, wherein said load balancing scheme is defined as SelectedNIC=((IPXAddress)XOR(SourceIPXSocket))MOD(NumberNICs); wherein SelectedNIC is said first NIC, IPXAddress is said IPX address, SourceIPXSocket is said socket number for a destination socket, and NumberNICs is the number of said plurality of NICs; c) inserting a media access control (MAC) address in said outgoing data packet, wherein said MAC address represents said first NIC; and d) sending said outgoing data packet using said first NIC.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
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| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-12-02 | 2014-06-03 | 2014-12-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |