Route Parameter Sets for Network Memory Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Service provider networks face inefficiencies in storing and exchanging routing information due to the large number of routes, which consume significant memory and processor cycles, as each route reflector and PE router stores separate route parameter values and requires forwarding entire parameter sets.
Innovation Solution
Implementing route parameter sets (RPS) that allow routes to be represented using a route identifier and pointers to shared sets of route parameter values, reducing memory usage and processor cycles by storing only a single pointer to each route parameter set and exchanging only pointers during route forwarding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each route reflector and PE router stores separate route parameter values for each route, then routing information accuracy is maintained, but memory consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges identical route parameter values into shared route parameter sets that can be referenced by multiple routes. Instead of storing duplicate parameter values in each route, the system creates a single shared storage location for identical parameters and uses references/pointers to link routes to these shared sets, thereby reducing memory consumption while preserving routing information accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes route parameter sets universal by designing them to be shared across multiple routes. A single route parameter set can serve as the parameter definition for many different routes, allowing the same parameter values to be reused universally throughout the routing system rather than being confined to individual routes.
2Loss of information
If entire route parameter sets are forwarded during route exchange, then complete routing information is transmitted, but processor cycles and bandwidth are consumed excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential route identifier from the complete route parameter set during route exchange. Instead of forwarding entire parameter sets between routers, the system transmits only the route identifier that uniquely identifies the route, allowing receiving routers to retrieve the complete parameter information from their local route parameter sets, thereby dramatically reducing processing overhead and bandwidth consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces route identifiers as intermediaries in the route exchange process. Rather than directly transmitting large parameter sets, the system uses compact identifiers as mediators that reference the full parameter information stored locally at each router, enabling efficient information exchange without excessive data transmission.
3Quantity of substance
If route parameter sets are shared across multiple routes, then memory usage is reduced, but system complexity increases due to pointer management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses reference copying instead of data duplication. When routes share parameter sets, the system creates lightweight reference copies (pointers) that point to the shared parameter storage locations. These references are simple data structures that store memory addresses or identifiers, requiring minimal processing to manage while enabling efficient shared access to route parameters across multiple routes.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus to utilize route parameter sets for exchanging routes in a communication network are disclosed. An example method to exchange routes in a communication network disclosed herein comprises receiving a route comprising a route identifier identifying the route and a plurality of route parameter values characterizing the route, and sending the route identifier and a pointer to forward the route to a recipient in the communication network, the pointer being associated with a route parameter set comprising the plurality of route parameter values.