TCP/IP routing and workload balancing

Are you looking for better ways to route and balance the TCP/IP traffic of your iSeries™ server?

Your iSeries server can be used for many things, but you should also know that its integrated routing capabilities can eliminate the need for an external router by connecting TCP/IP networks.

The routing and workload balancing methods as well as the background information will help you understand the options available for you to use on your iSeries server. Each method is described using a figure so that you can see how the connections are made. These methods do not include instructions on configuring these routing techniques. The focus of this topic is on the routing principles and concepts you should know so your iSeries server works better for you.

Why are these methods important to you?

The techniques in these methods might cut down the overall cost of your connections because you can use fewer external routers and servers. Using these routing methods, you can free up IP addresses because you will learn how to manage them in a more effective way. By reading the workload balancing methods, you can get better overall iSeries server performance by balancing the communications workload on your system.

What if I want to print these topics?

You can easily print this topic and read it as one document. Just follow the instructions in the Printable PDF topic.

Before you start

If you are new to routing and workload balancing on iSeries server, you might want to look at these topics before you begin looking at the methods:

TCP/IP routing functions by release contain information about the routing functions available on each version and release of the iSeries server so that you know which functions are available for you to use.

Packet processing shows you how a packet of information is processed by your iSeries server.

General routing rules give you some basic rules for iSeries server routing. You should consider these rules while you are reading the routing methods.

How do I know which method to use?

Many different methods are available to you. You can make your own decisions and apply these methods to your own network situation:

TCP/IP routing connectivity methods give you a better understanding of how your iSeries server is capable of routing data.

TCP/IP workload balancing methods help you understand different TCP/IP techniques that can be used to balance the communications workload of your iSeries server.

Want more information about iSeries server TCP/IP routing?

Other information about TCP/IP routing and workload balancing contains additional reference information related to TCP/IP routing and workload balancing.