Path-Based Routing Addresses for Lower-Latency Network Forwarding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The distinction between names, addresses, and routes in existing network protocols, as asserted in RFC 791, has led to challenges as the Internet grows, including increased network latency and address space limitations, necessitating improved routing methods.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of path-based protocol addressing, where data units are routed based on path segment identifiers within a network path, using components like an in-data handler, routing component, and forwarding component to determine and send data through appropriate network interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional IP addressing is used, then network infrastructure is simple, but network latency increases and address space is exhausted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network path into multiple path segments identified by path segment identifiers (PSIs). Each router processes only the relevant portion of the path, dividing the routing decision into smaller units. This segmentation enables more efficient routing decisions and reduces the processing time required for each hop, thereby reducing overall network latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to addressing by incorporating path information directly into the address structure. Instead of traditional destination-only addressing, the system uses path-based addresses that include both destination identification and path segment identifiers. This dimensional expansion allows routers to make more intelligent routing decisions without increasing physical distance or infrastructure complexity.
2Productivity
If path-based protocol addressing is implemented, then routing efficiency is enhanced and network latency is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The routing processing is segmented into distinct functional components: path segment identification, current path determination, next path segment selection, and data forwarding. Each component handles a specific aspect of the routing decision, making the overall complex process more manageable and implementable in standard network devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces path segment identifiers as intermediary elements that mediate between the complex routing decision and the actual data forwarding process. These PSIs act as intermediaries that carry path information through the network, enabling routers to make intelligent routing decisions without requiring complex real-time calculations at each hop.
3Measurement precision
If path segment identifiers are added to addresses, then routing precision is improved, but address space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds path segment identifiers within the existing address structure, creating a nested address format. The path information is contained within the address itself, allowing multiple levels of identification (destination + path segments) to coexist within a single address field. This nesting approach increases routing precision without requiring a complete redesign of the address space.
Solution Approach 2:
The address structure is made dynamic by allowing the path segment identifier length to vary based on the number of remaining path segments. As data travels through the network and path segments are consumed, the address structure adapts its format. This dynamic approach optimizes address space usage by allocating more bits for path information when needed and fewer bits when the path is nearly complete.
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.