Network Device Route Programming via Temporary Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
In PIM-SM configurations, network devices face resource exhaustion due to the installation of unnecessary and inactive (S, G) routes, which reduces their functionality and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method where network devices store programmable routes in temporary storage and only install them in hardware upon receiving associated data packets, preventing resource wastage and optimizing hardware usage by evaluating route necessity before installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If (S, G) join requests are automatically processed to install routes in hardware, then route installation speed is improved, but hardware resources are exhausted by unnecessary inactive routes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a two-stage route installation process: first storing routes in temporary storage (software) before hardware installation, and only transferring to hardware when traffic is actually detected. This preliminary action in software allows validation of route necessity before committing hardware resources, preventing exhaustion from inactive routes while maintaining fast hardware installation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temporary storage as an intermediary layer between route request reception and hardware installation. This intermediary allows the system to buffer routes, evaluate their necessity through traffic monitoring, and selectively install only active routes to hardware, thus resolving the contradiction between installation speed and resource consumption.
2Loss of time
If routes are installed immediately upon receiving join requests, then network responsiveness is improved, but resource wastage increases due to inactive routes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary route validation in temporary storage by monitoring for actual traffic before committing to hardware installation. This preliminary action prevents wasting resources on inactive routes while maintaining responsiveness for truly active routes, as the validation process is optimized and does not significantly delay necessary route installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that monitor traffic patterns and route activity. When traffic is detected on a route stored in temporary storage, the system provides feedback to trigger hardware installation. This feedback loop ensures that only routes with actual traffic consume hardware resources, eliminating wastage from inactive routes while maintaining network responsiveness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all received routes are installed in hardware, then route availability is improved, but device functionality is reduced due to resource exhaustion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary action by storing all received routes in temporary storage first, allowing the system to maintain route availability in software while selectively installing only necessary routes to hardware. This prevents resource exhaustion that would reduce device functionality, as hardware resources are reserved for active routes only, while inactive routes remain accessible in temporary storage.
Solution Approach 2:
Temporary storage serves as an intermediary that decouples route availability from hardware resource consumption. All routes can be maintained in temporary storage for availability, while the intermediary filtering mechanism ensures only active routes consume limited hardware resources, thereby preserving device functionality and preventing resource exhaustion.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for processing routes by a network device connected to a network includes: generating a programmable route based on a route programming request associated with a route between the network device and a request origin device; storing the programmable route in a temporary route storage in the network device; and upon receiving a data packet associated with the programmable route, permitting installation of the programmable route in a network device hardware of the network device.