Hierarchical Path Selection in Communication Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
As provider networks grow in size and complexity, conventional path selection and re-routing techniques become inefficient due to large memory requirements and increased complexity in making forwarding and re-routing decisions, especially in hierarchical communication networks with numerous alternative paths.
Innovation Solution
A network device with a packet processor that includes a path selection engine capable of successively making path selection decisions across respective routing domains within a hierarchical communication network, constraining subsequent decisions and reducing memory requirements and re-routing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional path selection techniques are used in large provider networks, then forwarding decisions can be made, but memory requirements and re-routing complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the provider network into multiple routing domains (e.g., core network, aggregation networks) and divides path selection into successive decisions at each domain boundary. This hierarchical segmentation reduces the complexity at each individual PE device by limiting the scope of path selection to specific domains rather than requiring global network knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to path selection by making successive decisions across multiple routing domains. Instead of a single flat path selection process, the system adds a dimensional layer of domain-based successive decisions, transforming the problem from choosing one path from many to making a series of constrained choices across domains.
2Productivity
If conventional path selection techniques are used in large provider networks, then forwarding decisions can be made, but memory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the provider network into multiple routing domains (e.g., core network, aggregation networks) and divides path selection into successive decisions at each domain boundary. This hierarchical segmentation reduces the complexity at each individual PE device by limiting the scope of path selection to specific domains rather than requiring global network knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to path selection by making successive decisions across multiple routing domains. Instead of a single flat path selection process, the system adds a dimensional layer of domain-based successive decisions, transforming the problem from choosing one path from many to making a series of constrained choices across domains.
3Reliability
If PE network devices make re-routing decisions to avoid congestion or failed links, then network reliability improves, but decision time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes predetermined path selection rules and constraints at each routing domain boundary before failures or congestion occur. When link failures or congestion are detected, the system can quickly switch to alternative paths within the same domain without requiring complex real-time calculations, as the decision framework is already in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the provider network into multiple routing domains (e.g., core network, aggregation networks) and divides path selection into successive decisions at each domain boundary. This hierarchical segmentation reduces the complexity at each individual PE device by limiting the scope of path selection to specific domains rather than requiring global network knowledge.
Data Source
AI summary
A network device includes a plurality of network interfaces configured to couple with a plurality of physical network links. A packet processor is configured to process packets received via the plurality of network interfaces. The packet processor includes a path selection engine that is configured to: for each of at least some packets processed by the packet processor, successively make path selection decisions that correspond to respective routing domains within a hierarchical communication network, the path selection decisions for forwarding the packet through the hierarchical communication network.