Distributed Routing Lookup Across Line Cards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current router architectures require additional memory and connection lines, leading to increased hardware costs due to the need for external memory to store forwarding information tables and maintain communication between the search engine and memory.
Innovation Solution
A route search method and apparatus that pre-stores node data generated by the forwarding information table across multiple boards within the routing device, eliminating the need for external memory by using a keyword to search and route packets based on pre-generated node data stored across multiple boards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If external memory is added to store forwarding information table, then storage space is sufficient, but hardware costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the forwarding information table into multiple segments and distributes them across different line cards within the routing device. Each line card stores a portion of the forwarding information locally, eliminating the need for centralized external memory while reducing hardware costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a centralized storage architecture to a distributed storage architecture across multiple spatial dimensions (different line cards). This dimensional change allows the system to eliminate external memory by utilizing the storage capacity already present across the distributed line card architecture.
2Reliability
If connection line is established between search engine and memory, then communication is maintained, but hardware costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the storage function into the line cards themselves, which already have processing and communication capabilities. By combining storage with the existing line card infrastructure, separate connection lines between search engine and external memory become unnecessary, reducing hardware costs while maintaining communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Each line card autonomously stores and manages its own segment of the forwarding information table, eliminating the need for external memory and dedicated connection lines. The line cards self-serve the storage and retrieval functions that would otherwise require separate memory components and communication channels.
3Measurement precision
If forwarding information table is stored in memory, then routing lookup is accurate, but storage space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The forwarding information table is segmented and distributed across multiple line cards, each storing a manageable portion locally. This segmentation maintains routing lookup accuracy for relevant segments while reducing the storage burden on any single component and eliminating the need for large centralized memory.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a route search method and apparatus, and a routing device. The method includes: obtaining a keyword; obtaining node data based on a pre-obtained storage address of the node data; determining, in the node data, data corresponding to the keyword; when the data is a storage address of next-level node data and a storage location of the next-level node data, obtaining a storage location of the node data; when the storage location of the node data is different from the storage location of the next-level node data, adding a search identifier, the storage address of the next-level node data, and a remaining part of the keyword to a frame header of a packet; and sending the packet having the frame header to a specified board corresponding to the storage location of the next-level node data. In the embodiments of the present invention, node data generated by a forwarding information table is prestored in a plurality of boards of the routing device, so that all the node data generated by the forwarding information table can be stored without using an external memory. This can reduce hardware costs of the routing device.