Active Anycast Technique that Achieves Capacity-Aware Load Balancing for Heterogeneous IP Networks

Real-world IP networks are heterogeneous in terms of server and link capacities. A sophisticated and comprehensive load balancing method is essential if we are to avoid congestion in the servers and links of heterogeneous networks. If such a method is not available, network throughput is limited by bottleneck servers or links. This paper proposes an anycast technique that achieves load balancing under heterogeneity. The proposed method well suits implementation on active networks. By taking advantage of the processing ability provided by active nodes, the method can decide packet routes flexibly on the basis of various criteria to realize a variety of load balancing schemes. Some of these schemes can successfully prevent the congestion of heterogeneous networks by tackling bottlenecks in both server and link capacities. The method is also advantageous given its light control load even when using many mirrored servers. Computer simulations confirm the effectiveness of these features. key words: anycast, Internet protocol, load balancing, active network, simulation