Chapter 14 Load Balancing in the P333R-LB

Load Balancing Metrics

There are different methods, or metrics, that a P333R-LB can use to distribute traffic among multiple cache servers. These metrics tell the router which cache server should receive the next session.

AR uses the following metrics:

•Round Robin.

•Hash.

•MinMiss Hash.

The default metric for AR is MinMiss Hash on the destination IP.

Each load balancing metric can be performed on one of the following metric parameters:

•SRC IP (source IP address).

•DST IP (destination IP address).

•SRC and DST IP (a combination of source and destination IP addresses).

In addition, each of the metrics may be weighted. For full information on weighted Real Servers, see Weighted Real Servers on page 54.

Round Robin

Using the Round Robin metric, new sessions are issued to each server in turn, based on the Real Server weight. The first Real Server in the group receives the first ‘n’ sessions, where ‘n’ is the Real Server weight. The second Real Server receives the next ‘n’ sessions, and so on. When all the servers receive at least one session, the issuing process starts over with the first Real Server.

Hash

Using the Hash metric, sessions are distributed to cache servers using a predefined mathematical hash function. This hash function is created by a hash value, performed on a specific parameter. The source and destination IP addresses are used as the hash function input.

P333R-LB creates a list of all the currently available cache servers. The result of the hash function is used to select a cache server from the list. Specific addresses always produce the same hash function, providing natural persistency.

If a cache server is added or removed to the group, the persistency is broken. This occurs, since the order of the cache servers in the list changes, but the hash still points to the same list entries. Figure 14.16 illustrates how a loss of persistency occurs when a cache server becomes non-operational.

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P333R-LB specifications

The Avaya P333R-LB is a robust and versatile switch that is part of Avaya's portfolio aimed at enterprise networking solutions. This switch is designed to enhance the performance and scalability of network infrastructure while ensuring high availability and reliability.

One of the main features of the P333R-LB is its Layer 3 switching capability, which allows for efficient routing within an organization's network. This capability is particularly beneficial for organizations with multiple VLANs, as it simplifies the routing process and ensures that data packets are transmitted in the most efficient manner possible.

The P333R-LB is equipped with advanced Quality of Service (QoS) features to prioritize traffic based on the type of application being used. This ensures that critical applications, such as VoIP and video conferencing, receive the necessary bandwidth and low latency required for optimal performance. Additionally, it supports both IPv4 and IPv6 protocols, making it adaptable to a variety of networking environments.

Another important feature of the Avaya P333R-LB is its stackable design. This allows multiple switches to be interconnected, creating a single logical unit. This stacking capability not only simplifies management but also increases overall network capacity and redundancy. In case of a hardware failure, the stack can continue operating without interruption, maintaining network integrity and service continuity.

The switch also integrates advanced security features, including support for MAC filtering, access control lists, and port security. These features help to safeguard network resources from unauthorized access and potential threats. Moreover, the P333R-LB supports 802.1X port-based authentication, which adds an additional layer of security during user access to the network.

The Avaya P333R-LB comes with multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports, allowing for high-speed connectivity to devices such as servers, workstations, and IP phones. This ensures that all devices on the network can communicate effectively, supporting the demands of modern enterprise environments.

For management and monitoring, the P333R-LB offers a user-friendly web interface along with SNMP support, enabling network administrators to easily configure settings and monitor network performance. This simplicity in management is crucial for IT teams that need to ensure optimal network performance while minimizing downtime.

In summary, the Avaya P333R-LB is a feature-rich, scalable, and reliable switch that meets the needs of demanding enterprise networks. With its advanced technologies, QoS support, stackable design, robust security features, and high-speed connectivity options, the P333R-LB is positioned to support a wide range of applications and enhance overall network performance.
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