Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for improving network performance of a multiprocessor system that has a limited number of physical network interfaces by using virtual IP addresses are provided. When a processor of the multiprocessor system determines that it is processing network data, it uses a virtual IP address to transmit the data. The virtual IP address is associated with a buffer; and thus the data is sent to the buffer. This allows the processor to be free to process other data, network or otherwise. The buffer, with the help of a controller, then contends for the use of one of the limited physical network interfaces to transmit the data.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 14, 2002
Date of Patent:
November 18, 2008
Assignee:
International Business Machines Corporation
Inventors:
Dwip N. Banerjee, Herman Dietrich Dierks, Jr., Vinit Jain