ROACM Protocol for High-Speed IP Packet Forwarding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current routing technologies face challenges in scalability and network delays due to increased media-based applications and traffic, particularly affecting backbone routers, necessitating a protocol for high-speed IP packet forwarding that enables efficient routing and cross-connecting across various packet switching systems.
Innovation Solution
A novel protocol, ROACM, which adds a dynamic virtual circuit header to IP packets containing index information for cross-connecting at the data link layer, allowing routers to route once and cross-connect many devices transparently, reducing the need for high-power processing and eliminating packet reordering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional IP routing is used to forward packets through multiple routers, then packets can reach the destination, but network delays increase and router processing burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the routing function into two parts: (1) initial routing decision at the first router using traditional IP routing, and (2) subsequent cross-connecting at data link layer using hardware addresses embedded in the packet header. This segmentation allows the first router to perform intelligent routing while intermediate routers perform simple hardware-based cross-connecting, significantly reducing processing delays at each hop.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by embedding the destination hardware address and route information in the packet header during the initial routing phase. This allows intermediate routers to forward packets based on pre-computed hardware addresses without performing complex IP routing decisions, thereby reducing network delays and router processing burdens.
2Productivity
If more routers are added to handle increased traffic from media-based applications, then network capacity increases, but router processing burden and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex IP routing function from intermediate routers and concentrates it in the first router. Intermediate routers only perform simple data link layer cross-connecting based on embedded hardware addresses, which is a much simpler function. This extraction reduces the processing burden on intermediate routers and allows network capacity to scale without proportionally increasing router complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional routing protocols are used at each router, then routing decisions can be made dynamically, but high-power processing is required at each router
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by embedding the destination hardware address and route information in the packet header during the initial routing phase. Intermediate routers simply copy and forward packets based on this embedded information using hardware-based cross-connecting, which requires minimal processing power compared to running full routing protocols at each router.
4Speed
If cross-connecting at data link layer is implemented, then packet forwarding speed increases, but interoperability with different network semantics must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing a dual-layer approach where the packet structure supports both network layer IP routing and data link layer cross-connecting. The embedded hardware addresses and route information in the header enable interoperability with different network semantics and packet switching systems, while the hardware-based cross-connecting provides high-speed forwarding. This multi-functional design allows the system to work across different network types and protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to high-speed packet forwarding (switching/routing) system such as the present IP (Internet Protocol). More particularly, the invention encompasses a protocol that includes having the capabilities of high-speed IP packet forwarding to over come network delays. The invention further includes a protocol that allows for an easy and transparent implementation on current IP networks or any packet switching system/device so that one can route once (at a certain level) and cross-connect many (at a lower layer) (ROACM).