Problem Description
Design a rate limiter for a backend service.
Part 1: Standard Distributed Rate Limiter
Implement a standard rate limiter capable of restricting incoming requests based on a single key, such as a user ID, IP address, API key, or endpoint. This limiter must operate effectively within a distributed service environment comprising multiple application servers.
Part 2: Multi-Dimensional Rate Limiter Extension
Extend the initial design to accommodate requests that may contain several distinct fields. Different rate-limiting rules should be applicable to various fields or combinations of fields. For instance, a single request might include a user ID, an IP address, an endpoint, a region, and an operation type. The system must be able to enforce separate limits for each of these fields or their combinations.
Discussion Points
Candidates should be prepared to discuss the following aspects of their design:
- APIs
- Data Model
- Algorithms
- Consistency
- Scalability
- Failure Handling
- Logic for accepting or rejecting requests when multiple rate limits are applicable.
AI interview prep
Core dilemma
Balancing high-throughput, low-latency rate limiting decisions with the need for accurate, consistent, and up-to-date limit counts across a distributed system, especially when dealing with complex, multi-dimensional rules and their interactions.
3 tradeoffs and 3 stress tests locked
Interview prep
Unlock the interviewer X-Ray rubric, tradeoff matrix, stress tests, clarifying questions, and key concepts.
Problem Description
Design a rate limiter for a backend service.
Part 1: Standard Distributed Rate Limiter
Implement a standard rate limiter capable of restricting incoming requests based on a single key, such as a user ID, IP address, API key, or endpoint. This limiter must operate effectively within a distributed service environment comprising multiple application servers.
Part 2: Multi-Dimensional Rate Limiter Extension
Extend the initial design to accommodate requests that may contain several distinct fields. Different rate-limiting rules should be applicable to various fields or combinations of fields. For instance, a single request might include a user ID, an IP address, an endpoint, a region, and an operation type. The system must be able to enforce separate limits for each of these fields or their combinations.
Discussion Points
Candidates should be prepared to discuss the following aspects of their design:
- APIs
- Data Model
- Algorithms
- Consistency
- Scalability
- Failure Handling
- Logic for accepting or rejecting requests when multiple rate limits are applicable.