Efficient switching supports of distributed .NET Remoting with network processors

Distributed object-oriented environments have become important platforms for parallel and distributed service frameworks. Among distributed object-oriented software, .NET Remoting provides a language layer of abstractions for performing parallel and distributed computing in .NET environments. In this paper, we present our methodologies in supporting .NET Remoting over meta-clustered environments. We take the advantage of the programmability of network processors to develop the content-based switch for distributing workloads generated from remote invocations in .NET. Our scheduling mechanisms include stateful supports for .NET Remoting services. In addition, we also propose scheduling policy to incorporate workflow models as the models are now incorporated in many of tools of grid architectures. Experiments done at clusters with IXP 1200 network processors show that our scheme can significantly enhance the system throughput (up to 55%) compared to NLB method when the traffic is heavy. Our schemes are effective in supporting the switching of .NET Remoting computations over meta-cluster environments.