Multipathing using multiple endpoint addresses for load balancing in a network

摘要

A method for balancing load on a network by selecting a path based on a load balancing algorithm and assigning one of several pairs of endpoint addresses for a flow based on the path selected. One pair of endpoint addresses corresponds to a first path and another pair of endpoint addresses corresponds to a second path. If the first path is selected, the first pair of endpoint addresses is assigned to the flow. If the second path is selected, the second pair of endpoint addresses is assigned to the flow. In one embodiment, based on the assigned pair of endpoint address, the flow is switched to an endpoint by the selected path.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
selecting, by a first endpoint, one of a plurality of paths to a second endpoint for a flow based on a load balancing algorithm, the paths including at least a first path and a second path, the first path corresponding to a first pair of Infiniband local identifier endpoint addresses and including a first switch, and the second path corresponding to a second pair of Infiniband local identifier endpoint addresses and including a second switch, wherein a first destination Infiniband local identifier in the first pair of Infiniband local identifiers and a second destination Infiniband local identifier in the second pair of Infiniband local identifiers identify the second endpoint, and wherein the first destination Infiniband local identifier and the second destination Infiniband local identifier are not identical, wherein a first source Infiniband local identifier in the first pair of Infiniband local identifiers and a second source Infiniband local identifier in the second pair of Infiniband local identifiers identify the first endpoint, and wherein the first source Infiniband local identifier and the second source Infiniband local identifier are not identical, and wherein the load balancing algorithm comprises a load balancing algorithm that operates on performance data of the first switch and on performance data of the second switch; assigning, by the first endpoint, the first pair of Infiniband local identifier endpoint addresses to the flow if the first path is selected; and assigning, by the first endpoint, the second pair of Infiniband local identifier endpoint addresses to the flow if the second path is selected.