Patent ID: 8533808
Filing Date: 2013-09-10
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium tangibly embodying a plurality of instructions for programming a multiple processor device, as a load balancing cluster, wherein a plurality of processors are operatively connected, the plurality of instructions comprising: (a) instructions for programming the plurality of the processors respectively with a plurality of respective security applications, each said security application performing a distinct respective security function selected from the group consisting of: inspection, network address translation, encryption, filtering, intrusion detection, intrusion prevention, threat management, anti-spam, and anti-virus; wherein each of the processors is a member of the load balancing cluster that is disposed between an internal network and an external network and wherein each of the processors is part of the multiple processor device; (b) instructions for transferring a data stream of a first connection to one of said security applications; (c) instructions for transmitting, by said one security application, control information that includes at least one expected connection identifier provided by performing a network address translation on said first connection, wherein said at least one expected connection identifier identifies an expected connection that has a different operational purpose in said networks than said first connection and wherein said at least one expected connection identifier differs from an identifier of said first connection; and (d) instructions for balancing load based on said control information, wherein the balancing includes transferring subsequent data streams, having the same identifier as said at least one expected connection identifier, to a different said security application.