Parameterized Routing Control Functions for Flexible BGP Policies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing routing policies in network devices require separate functions to be written for each set of input values, leading to inefficiencies and increased complexity in managing network routes.
Innovation Solution
The use of a Routing Control Function (RCF) programming language that allows function arguments to be passed when invoking functions, enabling a single function to process multiple sets of input values without the need for multiple hardcoded functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separate functions are written for each set of input values, then routing control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal RCF function framework where a single function can handle multiple sets of input values through parameterization. Instead of creating separate hardcoded functions for each routing scenario, the system uses a unified function template that accepts various parameters (route attributes, matching criteria, action types) to dynamically adapt to different routing control requirements, thereby reducing function management complexity while maintaining precise routing control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming hardcoded function implementations into parameterized functions. The RCF function accepts input parameters that define routing matching criteria and actions, allowing the same function body to operate with different parameters for various routing scenarios. This parameterization approach enables precise routing control through parameter variation without increasing functional complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple hardcoded functions are used, then routing control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The universal RCF function framework allows operators to invoke a single function with different parameters instead of managing multiple hardcoded functions. The function accepts parameterized inputs that define routing criteria and actions, making invocation simpler and more flexible while maintaining the precision needed for different routing scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic parameter passing that allows the function behavior to adapt based on input parameters. Instead of static hardcoded functions, the system uses dynamic parameterization where the same function can respond differently based on the parameters provided at invocation time, improving ease of operation while preserving routing control precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If separate functions are written for each input set, then routing specificity is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate hardcoded functions into a single unified RCF function that handles all routing scenarios. By combining the functionality into one parameterized function, the system eliminates the overhead of managing and executing multiple separate function definitions, thereby improving route processing efficiency while maintaining the specificity needed for different routing requirements through parameter differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal RCF function serves multiple routing purposes through parameterization. A single function implementation can handle various routing scenarios by accepting different parameters for matching criteria and actions, eliminating the need to write and maintain multiple separate functions for each routing case, thus improving overall productivity while preserving routing specificity.
Data Source
AI summary
A network device uses a routing policy to assess network routes, such as BGP routes. The routes can be routes advertised by neighbors to be programmed in a routing table of the network device. The network routes can be previously programmed routes (e.g., in a routing table) in the network device to be advertised to its neighbors. The routing policy includes routing control functions (RCF functions) for assessing a network route. An RCF function can be invoked with arguments, which allows the user to deploy some common logic (e.g., matching a community list, modifying a local preference value, etc.) with different sets of input values without having to write separate functions for each set of input values.