Classless Prefix Assignment for Content Delivery Network Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Classful routing in IP networks leads to inefficiencies due to fixed high-order bit allocations, which do not utilize the full address space of IP version 6 and result in increased entries in routing tables, causing latency and slowdowns in content delivery networks.
Innovation Solution
Implementing Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR) by assigning content nodes in a content delivery network with both short and long IP prefixes, allowing selective propagation of routing information to Internet Service Providers, enabling efficient routing decisions based on network conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If classful routing is used with fixed high-order bit allocations, then routing simplicity is maintained, but routing table entries increase and latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from classful routing with fixed high-order bit allocations to classless routing that allows arbitrary prefix lengths. This enables flexible allocation of IP address space, allowing routing tables to be optimized based on actual network topology and traffic patterns, thereby reducing unnecessary routing table entries and associated latency while maintaining routing functionality.
2Device complexity
If classful routing with fixed high-order bit allocations is used, then routing protocol simplicity is maintained, but routing table efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of prefix length from fixed classful values to variable classless values. This allows the routing protocol to receive and process routing information with flexible prefix lengths, enabling more efficient routing table entries that better represent actual network structures, thereby improving routing table efficiency without significantly increasing protocol complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If IP version 6 address space is not fully utilized, then backward compatibility is maintained, but address space utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the IP address space into hierarchical prefixes of varying lengths. This allows efficient utilization of the IP version 6 address space while maintaining compatibility with existing routing mechanisms. The segmentation enables flexible allocation that maximizes address space utilization without requiring complete migration away from established protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, apparatuses, and software that announce prefixes associated content nodes of a content delivery network are provided herein. In one example, a method of operating a communication system comprising Internet service providers configured to exchange content requests between end user devices and content nodes is presented. The method includes assigning a content node of the content delivery network a first Internet Protocol (IP) address having an associated first short prefix and a first long prefix, and assigning the content node a second IP address having an associated second short prefix and a second long prefix. The method also includes announcing the first short prefix and the first long prefix to a first Internet service provider communicatively coupled to the content node, and announcing the second short prefix and the second long prefix to a second Internet service provider communicatively coupled to the content node.