Patent ID: 8737210

Claim:
A method, stored in a memory and executing on a processor, for distributing Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP) packets between a client and one of a plurality of back-end servers, the method comprising: routing by a front-end server said SCTP packets, each of which includes a distribution key created based on SCTP parameters associated with said client and said one of said plurality of back-end servers wherein said plurality of back-end servers share a virtual internet protocol (VIP) address with said front-end server; wherein said distribution key comprises: an SCTP port number provided by said client; an SCTP port number provided by said one of said plurality of back-end servers; and an SCTP Initiate-Tag provided by said one of said plurality of back-end servers; and wherein said front-end server detects a clash between a first distribution key created for a first back-end server SCTP association and a second distribution key, while creating said second distribution key, for a second back-end server SCTP association and generates a replacement SCTP Initiate-Tag for said second distribution key to preserve the uniqueness of said first distribution key and said second distribution key.