Method and apparatus for load balancing in a virtual private network
US7376743B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 29, 2002 |
| Grant date | May 20, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 9, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L67/1038
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In a virtual private network, a plurality of concentrators form an interface to provide client/remote site access to a private network over a public network. The plurality of concentrators are grouped into a virtual cluster. Each concentrator in the virtual cluster has an IP address and the virtual cluster has a virtual IP address. In operation, one of the plurality of concentrators assumes the virtual IP address and acts as the master device in the cluster. When a client attempts a connection to the private network, the client addresses an initial request to the virtual IP address. The master device responds to the client request by transmitting to the client the IP address of a concentrator in the cluster selected to handle the connection.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.