How To Load Balance By Packet Volume - Network Instruments Matrix User Manual

4. Select Load Balance.
If selected, load balancing changes how traffic is moved from network ports to tool ports.
Note: The specific behavior is controlled by the load balance type.
5. In the Load Balance Type list, select Conversation.
Packets with identical characteristics, such as an identical IP pair, are forwarded exclusively to one tool
port. By keeping these packets together, an intact conversation is likely being forwarded. Other unique
conversations might be forwarded to the same or different tool port, creating a balanced distribution of
conversations to all tool ports connected to the rule. Load balancing of this type is useful when connected
tools need to perform analysis on complete network conversations.
6. Select any Conversation Fields for determining network conversations.
Conversations are traffic streams that must be kept together and forwarded intact to a tool port. How the
system determines a conversation must be specified. For example, selecting only 'Include IP pair' indicates
all connections between a unique IP pair must be kept intact and forwarded to the same tool port.
Note: Conversations become more granular as more selections are made, which can distribute traffic even more
equally in most network environments. However, this carries the risk of not providing tools with enough data for
useful analysis.
7. Click Save.
You successfully enabled load balancing in a rule. Connecting this rule between network and tool ports causes
the traffic to be balanced across the tool ports.

How to load balance by packet volume

Prerequisite(s):
These steps require that at least one rule exists in your rules library. You can create a new rule if necessary.
To load balance by packet volume:
1. Starting in the dashboard, click Rules.
The rules and filters designer appears, where rules and filters can be created and edited.
2. Ensure the Rules tab is selected.
3. Click a rule from the list.
The rule opens and is ready to edit.
4. Select Load Balance.
If selected, load balancing changes how traffic is moved from network ports to tool ports.
Note:
The specific behavior is controlled by the load balance type.
5. In the Load Balance Type list, select Packet.
Packets are equally distributed to tool ports using a round-robin method. By dividing the packet volume
equally, link utilization is decreased between tool ports and connected tools by a factor of how many tool
ports are connected to the rule. Network conversations are severed by using this type, so ensure that any
connected tools can operate effectively without intact conversations.
6. Click Save.
38 | Matrix™ (pub. 25.Apr.2014)