BGP Update Packet Compression for Network Convergence
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for exchanging route information between information handling systems, particularly using the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), face challenges in efficiently conveying large amounts of routing data, which taxes bandwidth and introduces delays, impacting network convergence and performance.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a compression method for BGP update packets that includes an extended header with new fields to identify compressed packets, allowing multiple legacy updates to be bundled into a single packet, reducing the number of packets needed for transmission and increasing bandwidth efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If BGP routers exchange routing information using traditional packet formats, then routing information can be transmitted, but the number of packets required is large, taxing bandwidth and introducing delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple legacy BGP update packets into a single compressed packet containing multiple route updates. This merging approach reduces the total number of packets transmitted across the network while maintaining all necessary routing information, directly addressing the contradiction between productivity and packet quantity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where multiple legacy update packets are embedded within a single compressed packet format. The compressed packet contains a header followed by nested route update elements, each representing a legacy update. This nesting allows efficient transmission of multiple updates in one packet, reducing network traffic while preserving individual update integrity.
2Speed
If multiple legacy update packets are transmitted separately, then each packet can be processed independently, but bandwidth is taxed and transmission delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate update transmissions into a single compressed packet transmission. This consolidation reduces the total time required for route information exchange and accelerates network convergence, while simultaneously reducing bandwidth consumption by eliminating redundant packet overhead and acknowledgments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional BGP packet formats are used, then compatibility with legacy systems is maintained, but the amount of data transmitted is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal packet format that serves multiple functions: it maintains compatibility with legacy BGP systems while enabling compressed transmission of multiple updates. The compressed packet format includes a header section for protocol identification and compression parameters, followed by nested route update elements that can be processed by both legacy and enhanced systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods for improving the exchange of routing information between information handling system by using compression. In embodiments, route information may be packetized as normally performed according to protocol. In embodiments, these packets may be compressed and placed into the data/payload portion of a new format packet. In embodiments, the new format packet includes an extended header with one or more fields that provide information related to the compressed packets in the packet payload. A receiving device receives the new packets with compressed data, decompresses the data, and processes the decompress data packets as per the normal protocol procedures.