Merging DHT Rings in Heterogeneous Networks via Indirect Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overlay networks face challenges in packet routing over heterogeneous layer-3 networks, where flat identifiers cannot be aggregated, leading to inefficiencies and difficulties in node mobility due to the overloading of IP addresses with locator and identity functionalities.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a routing architecture that defines unique, self-generated flat identifiers for layer-3 network addresses, utilizing an Overlay Router capable of translating between different layer-3 protocols and registering end-nodes with Hierarchical Distributed Hash Tables (HDHTs) to route data packets based on network identifiers instead of end-node identifiers, enabling efficient data packet routing across heterogeneous domains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flat identifiers are used for routing in overlay networks, then routing simplicity is improved, but identifier aggregation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flat identifier is segmented into two parts: a network identifier (aggregatable) and an end-node identifier (unique). This segmentation allows the network identifier portion to be aggregated and routed efficiently while the end-node identifier provides unique identification, thus resolving the contradiction between routing simplicity and aggregation capability.
2Device complexity
If IP addresses are used for both locator and identity functionalities, then device complexity is reduced, but node mobility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The identity functionality is extracted from the IP address by introducing a separate end-node identifier. The IP address is used solely for locator functionality (network location), while the end-node identifier handles identity. This separation enables node mobility because the end-node identifier remains constant even when the network location (IP address) changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The end-node identifier acts as an intermediary between the network layer (IP address) and the application layer (node identity). This intermediary layer allows nodes to maintain their identity independently of their network location, facilitating mobility while keeping the overall system complexity manageable.
3Productivity
If DHT rings are merged across heterogeneous network domains, then network scalability is improved, but routing complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The routing approach transitions from flat identifier-based routing to hierarchical routing using network identifiers. This dimensional change introduces a network level above the end-node level, allowing DHT rings to be merged across heterogeneous domains through network identifier aggregation while maintaining manageable routing complexity at each hierarchical level.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of merging Distributed Hash Table (DHT) rings in heterogeneous network domains, where each domain includes a DHT ring. Upon determining that a node is common to first and second DHT rings on the same hierarchical level and having at least one Overlay Router in common, a link is started between a node in the first DHT ring and a node in the second DHT ring by establishing an indirect link through the common node. An indirect link is created between the first and second DHT rings, and virtual links are created to DHT rings positioned higher in the DHT ring hierarchy until all the DHT rings are merged into a single logical ring.