Importance

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Abstract

A method and system for inserting and examining Cookies in the data streams of HTTP connections for the purpose of persistently directing HTTP connections to the same destination. The present invention enables a network transmission device, e.g., a router or controller, to reliably and efficiently direct subsequent HTTP connections from the same client to the same server (destination) for accessing the requested resources. There are four modes for employing the Cookie to persistently direct HTTP connections. The associative mode inserts a Cookie into an HTTP response that uniquely identifies the client so that when a client's subsequent HTTP request is compared to a table, the HTTP request will be routed to a previously selected destination associated with the client. The passive mode inserts Cookie information into an HTTP response that uniquely identifies a previously selected destination such as a node server so that when a client's subsequent HTTP request is examined, it will be provided to the previously selected destination. In the rewrite mode, a network transmission device manages the destination information that is rewritten over blank Cookie information generated by the destination producing the HTTP response. The insert mode enables a network transmission device to insert and remove Cookie information in the data packets for HTTP requests and responses prior to processing by the destination. The Cookie information can include a time stamp. Other types of Cookies include priority, path and hops.

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First Claim