Logical Router Consolidation via Software Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity and cost of maintaining multiple physically separate routers in computer networks, particularly for Network Service Providers, due to the need for dedicated edge, service, and core routers, lead to significant capital expenditures and management challenges.
Innovation Solution
Implementing one or more logical routers within a single physical routing device, which are operationally and organizationally isolated through software processes and shared resources, eliminating the need for redundant hardware and allowing for the consolidation of network infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple physically separate routers are deployed to provide network access, services, and core routing functions, then service reliability and operational isolation are improved, but device complexity and capital expenditures increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing a single physical router into multiple virtual routers, each operating as an independent routing instance with separate routing tables and control planes. This virtual segmentation provides the reliability and isolation benefits of multiple physical routers while using a single shared hardware platform, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a single physical router that can simultaneously perform multiple routing functions (edge routing, service routing, core routing) through virtualization. Each virtual router instance provides specific network functions while sharing common hardware resources, making the system more versatile and cost-effective.
2Reliability
If dedicated service routers are implemented for each network service, then service isolation and reliability are improved, but capital expenditures and management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control plane into separate virtual router instances, each dedicated to specific services. This allows service-level isolation and reliability while avoiding the need for separate physical hardware for each service, thereby reducing management complexity and capital expenditures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of routing functionality through software-based virtual routers. These virtual copies provide the necessary service isolation and reliability characteristics without requiring duplicate physical hardware, reducing both capital expenditures and management overhead.
3Reliability
If multiple separate routing devices are deployed, then operational isolation is improved, but capital expenditures and hardware reliability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple routing functions into a single physical device through virtualization. By combining edge routing, service routing, and core routing functions in one hardware platform while maintaining virtual separation, it reduces capital expenditures while leveraging the high reliability of consolidated, professionally maintained hardware.
4Reliability
If fully-duplicative routers are implemented, then operational isolation is maximized, but resource utilization and cost-effectiveness decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the routing system universal by enabling a single physical router to serve multiple virtual routing functions simultaneously. Each virtual router maintains operational isolation through separate control planes and routing tables, while sharing common hardware resources, thereby maximizing resource utilization without sacrificing isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple routing instances into one physical platform, merging hardware resources while maintaining virtual separation. This approach achieves operational isolation equivalent to separate routers while dramatically improving resource utilization by eliminating redundant hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described for implementing one or more logical routers within a single physical routing device. These logical routers, as referred to herein, are logically isolated in the sense that they achieve operational and organizational isolation within the routing device without requiring the use of additional or redundant hardware, e.g., additional hardware-based routing controllers. The routing device may, for example, include a computing platform, and a plurality of software process executing within the computing platform, wherein the software processes operate as logical routers. The routing device may include a forwarding component shared by the logical routers to forward network packets received from a network in accordance with the forwarding tables.