Distributed Internet Exchange Grid Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) are centralized, limiting connectivity to only physically located networks and requiring each network to exchange authentication information directly, which is time-consuming and impractical for widespread interconnection.
Innovation Solution
A distributed Internet Exchange Grid (IEG) architecture utilizing Local Gate Keepers (LGKs) and Global Gate Keepers (GGKs) with routers and switches, enabling logical connectivity and authentication for autonomous systems to communicate without direct authentication exchanges, using BGPv4 routing and MPLS technology for IP prefix announcements across a virtual forwarding instance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional centralized IXP architecture is used, then direct physical interconnection between networks is achieved, but connectivity is limited to only physically located networks and requires direct authentication exchanges between each network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces gatekeepers as intermediary entities that mediate authentication and routing between autonomous systems. Instead of requiring direct authentication exchanges between each network pair, the gatekeepers centralize this function, allowing networks to authenticate with the gatekeeper which then handles routing decisions. This resolves the contradiction by expanding connectivity scope through centralized mediation while reducing authentication complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the traditional monolithic IXP architecture into distributed gatekeepers that can operate independently across different physical locations. Each gatekeeper handles local authentication and routing, while coordinating with other gatekeepers for remote network connectivity. This segmentation allows the system to scale beyond single physical locations while maintaining manageable authentication complexity at each segment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If direct physical interconnection is required for network exchange, then authentication information can be exchanged directly, but networks not physically located on the same IXP fabric cannot connect
Solution Approach 1:
The gatekeeper acts as a reliable intermediary that maintains stable routing information and authentication credentials. Networks can connect through the gatekeeper without requiring direct physical presence, as the gatekeeper mediates the connection and maintains routing stability. This allows geographical expansion while preserving connection reliability through centralized routing control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from purely physical layer connectivity to incorporating logical/routing layer connectivity. By introducing gatekeepers that operate at the routing layer, the system enables networks to connect through logical routing paths rather than requiring direct physical fabric connections. This dimensional shift from physical to logical connectivity resolves the contradiction between geographical reach and connection stability.
3Productivity
If centralized IXP fabric is used, then all networks can peer directly, but the system becomes physically centralized and cannot connect remote networks efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized IXP fabric into distributed gatekeeper nodes that can be deployed across multiple physical locations. Each gatekeeper maintains local routing efficiency while coordinating with other gatekeepers for remote connectivity. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high traffic exchange efficiency locally while reducing physical infrastructure complexity through distributed deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical requirement of direct fabric connectivity with logical routing through gatekeepers. Instead of requiring all networks to be physically connected to the same fabric, the system uses software-based routing and authentication at gatekeepers to enable efficient traffic exchange. This substitution of physical connectivity requirements with logical routing resolves the contradiction between traffic efficiency and infrastructure complexity.
4Reliability
If each network exchanges authentication information directly with every other network, then security is maintained, but the process is time-consuming and impractical for widespread interconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The gatekeeper serves as a trusted intermediary that centralizes authentication functions. Instead of requiring each network to exchange authentication information directly with every other network, networks authenticate with the gatekeeper which then handles routing and access control. This single-point authentication through the gatekeeper maintains security while dramatically reducing authentication time and complexity for widespread interconnection.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed at an Internet Exchange Grid (IEG) which, in one embodiment, provides a distributed Internet architecture.