Global Load Balancing Solution

Model Number

SmartDNS

Overview

ARA Networks global load balancer, SmartDNS, distributes multiple web servers or clusters to several scattered ISPs to ensure faster content delivery and to optimize network bandwidth. It enables clients to access the nearest sever through both static and dynamic bindings and thereby improves the quality of web services. In combination with ARA Networks local load balancer, SmartIP, SmartDNS performs both global and local load balancing and makes it possible to build large scale, high-speed, quality web sites.

SmartDNS distributes traffic over geographically dispersed servers, ensuring that clients access the server nearest them. The technology reduces the amount of packet traffic in the network and significantly improves service speeds and response times. Moreover, since several servers are connected to each corresponding network, the bandwidth becomes noticeably larger. SmartDNS is the most economical solution for large scale web sites and VOD service providers who utilize large amounts of network bandwidth.

Key Features

Static Binding and Dynamic Binding

Static binding connects clients of a particular network to designated web servers, according to predefined rules set by an administrator. Dynamic binding selects the most suitable server for the client, using Round Trip Time (RTT) and Number of HOP (NHOP) between clients and multiple servers. In addition, it caches the dynamic binding information for redundancy purposes.

DNS and HTTP Redirect Mode supports

SmartDNS applies DNS and HTTP Redirect technologies in order to connect a client to a selected server. DNS mode returns the IP address of the selected server to the requesting client. In answer to a HTTP request, the HTTP Redirect mode includes a Redirection code in the HTTP message header to guide the client web browser to the selected server.

Fail-Over Function

SmartDNS distributes web servers or cache servers to multiple networks using one domain name. Also, using HTTP and Internet Cache Management Protocol (ICMP), it regularly checks the status of web servers or cache servers in each ISP or IDC. If it detects any error in any web sever it removes the web sever from service.

Local Load Balancing Function

Although SmartDNS is basically a global load balancer, it also additionally provides local load balancing functions. Normally anyone requiring local load balancing functions would purchase special local load balancers such as a L4 switch or dispatcher. However, SmartDNS does not require any additional purchases and thereby reduces network cost with built-in local load balancing.

Web-based Management Tools

Web-based management tools allow administrators to check the status of SmartDNS server and web server in real time. These tools also facilitate setup and maintenance.