Predictive synchronization for clustered devices

Abstract

A method and system is provided for a scalable clustered system. The method and system may handle asynchronous traffic as well as session backup. In the method and system, a home cluster member having ownership of a local session predicts designation of a an other cluster member to receive a packet associated with the local session and sends appropriate state information or forwarding instruction to the other network member.

1 . A method of synchronizing a clustered system having at least a first member and a second member, the method comprising:
 a. Relaying from the first member to the second member information associated with a reply packet that has an altered connection designator before arrival of said packet to the second member, and   b. predicting designation of the second member to receive said packet.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said predicting includes computing a deterministic function. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein said predicting includes computing a hashing function. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said relaying is unicast. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a. discarding of an illegitimate packet by the first member.