PRIMECLUSTER Global Link Services Configuration and Administration Guide: Multipath Function (for Solaris(TM) Operating Environment)

1.1.2.3 Destination IP address distribution method

This section explains Multilink Ethernet destination IP address distribution method.

In the destination IP address distribution method, the Multipath function independently determines the transmission destination NIC from the remote IP (transmission destination IP) address added to the transmission data, and transmits the data.
This method lowers the likelihood of the transmission path being occupied by one remote system, if there are many remote systems to be connected, and enhances the transmission efficiency of the other remote systems. In the destination IP address distribution method, the transmission data is distributed even when a router is installed between the local system and the remote system.

"Figure 1.7 Transmission data flow in destination IP address distribution method," diagrams the transmission data flow in destination IP address distribution method.

[Figure 1.7 Transmission data flow in destination IP address distribution method]

• The CPU load rate increases in proportion to the number of used NICs.
• The transmission path through which the local system receives data depends on the distribution method of the switch.
  When the switching method distributes the data to a remote IP (transmission destination IP) address, the data is received on one transmission path because the local system has only one MAC address.
  When the switching method distributes the data from a local IP (transmission source IP) address, the data is received via distributed transmission paths, where the Multipath function efficiently uses the component NICs. This leads to more efficient communication.