Path-Based Network Routing With Segment-Aware Next-Hop Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The distinction between names, addresses, and routes in existing Internet Protocol (IP) systems, as outlined in RFC 791, leads to inefficiencies and challenges as the Internet grows, particularly in addressing network latency and bandwidth issues.
Innovation Solution
Implementing methods and systems for routing based on a path-based protocol address, which involves detecting and utilizing path segment identifiers to determine the next network interface for data transmission, thereby enhancing the routing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional IP addressing systems are used, then network infrastructure remains simple, but network latency increases and bandwidth efficiency deteriorates as the Internet grows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the routing process into multiple components: path-based protocol addresses are divided into path segment identifiers, which are further segmented into next-hop identifiers and interface identifiers. This segmentation allows each component to be processed independently at different network nodes, reducing the complexity burden on any single node while improving overall routing efficiency and reducing latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to IP addressing by incorporating path information directly into the address structure itself, rather than using separate routing tables. This transforms the traditional two-dimensional addressing (source-destination pair) into a multi-dimensional approach that includes path segments, next-hop identifiers, and interface identifiers, enabling more efficient data transmission paths.
2Productivity
If path-based protocol addresses with multiple path segment identifiers are implemented, then data transmission efficiency improves, but address structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The path-based protocol address is segmented into distinct functional components: path segment identifiers, next-hop identifiers, and interface identifiers. Each segment serves a specific purpose in the data transmission process, allowing nodes to process only the relevant portion of the address at each hop, thereby maintaining efficiency while managing complexity through functional decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The path-based protocol address structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it identifies the destination, specifies the transmission path, indicates the next hop, and determines the outgoing interface. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require separate routing tables and control structures into a single address field, improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Productivity
If multiple path segment identifiers are used to optimize routing, then network efficiency improves, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The path-based protocol address enables network nodes to autonomously determine the next hop and outgoing interface based solely on the path segment identifiers in the address itself. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex manual routing configuration, as each node independently processes the address components to make forwarding decisions, thereby improving network efficiency while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are described for routing based on a path-based protocol address. Data is detected, by a current node in a current location in a network path, in a data unit that is specified according to a network protocol and that includes a first path-based protocol address including a plurality of path segment identifiers that identify respective path segments of a network path for transmitting data from a source node to a destination node. A current-next path segment identifier is detected, based on the current location, that identifies a current-next path segment in the plurality for transmitting the data from the current node to a next node in the network path. A current-next network interface id determined, based on the current-next path segment identifier, that is included in the current-next path segment. The data is sent, via the current-next network interface, to the next node.