Packet forwarding optimization without an intervening load balancing node

A system for packet forwarding optimization across multiple nodes utilizing a single internet protocol (IP) address, comprising:

• a network controller comprising a processor configured to:
• receive a first packet from a client, wherein the first packet includes information indicative of a target node address and a protocol type;
• receive a balancing node address of a balancing node from a packet engine;
• forward first packet to the target node though the balancing node according to the balancing node address, a target node address, and the protocol type;
• receive a registration from the packet engine and save the registration to a network controller queue, wherein the registration comprises the target node address mapped by the packet engine, and wherein the registration does not include the balancing node address;
• and
• forward, via the network controller queue, a second packet to the target node based on the registration without the second packet traversing the balancing node.

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing executable instructions that, when executed by a computer, perform a method for packet forwarding optimization across multiple nodes utilizing a single internet protocol (IP) address, the method comprising:

• receiving, via a processor on a network controller, a first packet from a client, wherein the first packet includes information indicative of a target node address and a protocol type;
• receiving, via the processor, a balancing node address of a balancing node from a packet engine;
• forwarding, via the processor, the first packet to the target node though the balancing node according to the balancing node address, a target node address, and the protocol type;
• receiving, via the processor, a registration from the originating node, and saving the registration to a network controller queue, wherein the registration comprises the target node address mapped by the packet engine, wherein the registration does not include the balancing node address;
• and
• forwarding, via the network controller queue, a second packet to the target node based on the registration without the second packet traversing the balancing node.