Mapping Server Reduces Router Memory via Path Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In inter-domain routing, routers within an autonomous system (AS) face the challenge of storing increasing path information from external ASs, leading to memory capacity issues and the need for high-performance routers.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a mapping server and routers that encapsulate packets with internal addresses, allowing routers to forward packets without storing external path information, using a mapping correspondence table and database to determine appropriate external connection routers for forwarding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all routers within an AS store all external path information items, then complete routing information is available for packet forwarding, but memory capacity requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the routing information storage function by dividing routers into two types: border routers that store external path information and internal routers that forward packets using mapping information. This segmentation allows internal routers to avoid storing large amounts of external path information while border routers maintain complete routing data, thus resolving the contradiction between routing information completeness and memory capacity requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mapping information as an intermediary between external path information and packet forwarding decisions. Mapping information contains only the necessary mapping between external destination addresses and internal router identifiers, serving as a mediator that enables internal routers to forward packets without storing complete external path information, thereby reducing memory requirements while maintaining forwarding capability.
2Reliability
If internal routers store complete external path information, then accurate packet forwarding is enabled, but device complexity and performance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the routing functionality by designating border routers to handle external path information storage and management, while internal routers focus on packet forwarding using simplified mapping information. This functional segmentation reduces the complexity and performance requirements of internal routers while maintaining accurate packet forwarding through the border router infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
Mapping information acts as an intermediary that simplifies the forwarding process for internal routers. Instead of complex external path information, internal routers use simple mapping entries that directly associate external destination addresses with internal router identifiers, reducing device complexity while preserving forwarding accuracy through the mediating mapping mechanism.
3Quantity of substance
If mapping information is stored in internal routers, then packet forwarding can proceed without storing external paths, but mapping information management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mapping information management system as an intermediary between external path information and internal router forwarding tables. This management system automatically generates, updates, and distributes mapping information to internal routers, shielding them from the complexity of external path information management while enabling efficient packet forwarding with reduced memory requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The mapping information management system operates autonomously to generate and distribute mapping information to internal routers without requiring manual configuration or complex management at each router. This self-service approach reduces the management burden on individual routers while maintaining accurate mapping information across the network.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mapping server comprises: a path information obtaining unit that obtains path information on external networks through a forwarding device connected to an external network; and a mapping information generating unit that generates mapping information that relates the path information and the forwarding device.