Cluster Router Architecture Using Segmented PC Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packet-switched communication networks face challenges with non-deterministic routing response delays and high development and maintenance costs due to the use of single unit, dedicated hardware routers, which limits scalability and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A cluster-based router architecture is proposed, utilizing interconnected PC-based router nodes with a toroidal topology and special purpose nodes for enhanced packet processing, allowing for distributed routing and reduced management overhead, while leveraging cost-effective off-the-shelf hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If single unit dedicated hardware routers are used, then routing functionality is provided with deterministic performance, but development and validation costs increase prohibitively
Solution Approach 1:
The router is segmented into multiple independent cluster nodes that can be developed, validated, and deployed separately. Each node is a standalone unit with identical hardware configuration, allowing independent testing and validation before integration into the cluster, thereby reducing overall development and validation costs while maintaining deterministic routing performance through coordinated operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more functionality is added to router hardware, then service capabilities are enhanced, but development and validation costs become more prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
Each cluster node is designed as a universal unit capable of performing multiple routing functions through software configuration rather than dedicated hardware for each function. The nodes can be dynamically assigned different roles (edge router, core router, special purpose) and functionalities (routing, billing, encryption, video processing) through software, allowing enhanced service capabilities without proportionally increasing development and validation costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If single unit routers are upgraded with new software and interface cards, then new services can be supported, but performance satisfaction is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple identical cluster nodes are merged to form a scalable router system that can support new services by adding nodes rather than upgrading existing ones. This approach maintains performance satisfaction by avoiding the resource constraints and compatibility issues of upgrading single units, while providing adaptability through easy addition of new nodes with updated software and interface capabilities.
4Ease of manufacture
If cluster-based router with PC hardware is used, then cost-effectiveness and scalability are improved, but packet processing response time guarantees are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The routing function is segmented across multiple PC-based cluster nodes, each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows the system to leverage the cost-effectiveness and scalability of PC hardware while maintaining deterministic response time guarantees through coordinated routing protocols and load distribution mechanisms that ensure packets receive timely processing across the cluster.
Data Source
AI summary
A cluster router architecture and methods for performing distributed routing are presented. The cluster router architecture includes off-the shelf Personal Computer (PC) hardware-based router cluster nodes interconnected in an intra-connection network in multiple dimensions. Each PC-based router cluster node is provided with the same routing functionality and a router-cluster-node-centric configuration enabling each router cluster node to provide routing responses for packets pending processing. Packet processing is divided into entry packet processing and routing response processing; special processing; and exit processing. Exit packet processing is performed by router cluster nodes transmitting packets into communication networks in which the cluster router participates. Packet processing is interrupted on determining that special processing is required in respect of a packet, and the packet is handed over to a corresponding special purpose router cluster node.