Path Splitting in Connection-Oriented Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connection-oriented networks require significant state and bandwidth resources to achieve path diversity between source and destination nodes, as they need to establish multiple paths upfront, which increases memory and system overhead.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a forwarding table at the switch level that includes multiple output port/HopID pairs for each input port/HopID pair, allowing for dynamic path choices and optimizing lookup efficiency, thereby reducing memory requirements and enabling load balancing and application-specific routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple paths are set up in advance between source and destination in connection-oriented networks, then path diversity is achieved, but state and bandwidth requirements at each switch increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the path diversity function by introducing a separate virtual path identifier (VPI) field in the packet header, independent from the traditional connection-oriented path setup. This allows multiple virtual paths to be multiplexed over a single physical connection, dividing the state requirements across multiple lightweight identifiers rather than requiring full path state at each switch.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds multiple virtual paths within a single physical connection by nesting VPI identifiers inside the existing connection-oriented packet header structure. This allows the network to maintain the simplicity of connection-oriented switching while incorporating path diversity through nested virtual path identifiers that don't require separate physical path setup.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple paths are set up in advance between source and destination, then path diversity is achieved, but system overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the path diversity function from the traditional connection-oriented switching mechanism by introducing a separate VPI field that operates independently from the connection setup process. This extraction allows path diversity to be achieved without modifying the fundamental connection-oriented switching logic, reducing the complexity burden on existing switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the existing connection-oriented packet header universal by adding a VPI field that serves multiple functions: it identifies virtual paths, enables path diversity, and maintains compatibility with existing connection-oriented protocols. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate path diversity mechanisms, reducing overall system overhead.
3Adaptability or versatility
If h^k paths are established between source and destination, then maximum path diversity is achieved, but memory space requirements at each switch increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic path selection capability through the VPI field, allowing switches to dynamically choose among multiple virtual paths based on current network conditions rather than being constrained by pre-established physical paths. This dynamic approach enables path diversity without requiring memory space for all possible h^k paths simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the path identification parameter from physical connection state to virtual path identifier (VPI). This parameter change allows the system to represent multiple paths using lightweight integer identifiers rather than storing full path state, dramatically reducing memory requirements while maintaining the ability to select from h^k possible paths.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment this disclosure provides a network device that includes an input port configured to link to a first device to receive a packet from the first device, wherein the received packet having a first label encoded therein, the value of the first label is specific to the link between the network device and the first device; the input port having an input port identifier, the input port identifier and the first label form an input tuple; a plurality of output ports configured to link to respective ones of a plurality of second devices, each output port having a respective output port identifier; a forwarding table that includes at least one input tuple and a corresponding set of output tuples; wherein each output tuple comprises an output port identifier and a second label, the value of the second label is specific to the link between the network device and a respective one of the second plurality of devices; and routing circuitry configured to compare the input tuple of the received packet with at least one input tuple of the forwarding table, identify the corresponding set of output tuples, and select one output tuple from among the set of corresponding output tuples; the routing circuitry is also configured to replace the first label of the received packet with the second label and send the packet to the output port specified by the output port identifier in the selected output tuple.