Router Path Count Management for Memory Overload Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computing networks with spine/leaf topologies, routers often face memory overload due to the large number of per prefix routes required for redundancy and load balancing, exceeding their available storage capacity, which can lead to service interruptions and loss of redundancy/load balancing benefits.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where routers communicate with route reflectors to adjust the number of per prefix routes based on available storage space, reducing the number of routes advertised and withdrawing unnecessary ones to prevent memory overload, while maintaining redundancy and load balancing benefits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If BGP additional-paths are used to advertise multiple paths for each prefix in spine/leaf topology, then redundancy and load balancing benefits are achieved, but the path count on routers explodes and exceeds available memory capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of path count from a fixed high value to a dynamically adjusted value based on router memory capacity. The route reflector receives indicators of available storage space and adjusts the number of additional paths advertised accordingly, transforming the system from static to adaptive parameter control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static path advertisement approach to a dynamic one where the route reflector continuously monitors router memory capacity and adjusts path counts in real-time. This allows the network to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining both redundancy and memory constraints.
2Productivity
If BGP additional-paths are used to advertise multiple paths for each prefix, then load balancing benefits are achieved, but the path count on routers explodes and exceeds available memory capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the path count parameter based on router memory capacity indicators. The route reflector receives storage space information from routers and modifies the number of additional paths advertised to match available capacity, enabling load balancing within memory constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where routers send indicators of their available storage space to the route reflector, which then adjusts path advertisements accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures load balancing capabilities are maintained while preventing memory overload.
3Quantity of substance
If the number of per prefix routes is reduced to fit memory constraints, then memory overload is prevented, but redundancy and load balancing benefits are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the path count dynamic rather than static. The route reflector adjusts the number of additional paths advertised based on real-time memory capacity indicators from routers, allowing the system to maintain optimal redundancy levels adapted to available resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from router memory capacity indicators to dynamically adjust path advertisements. This ensures that redundancy is maintained at levels sustainable by router memory while preventing overload conditions.
4Quantity of substance
If the number of per prefix routes is reduced to fit memory constraints, then memory overload is prevented, but load balancing benefits are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the path count parameter based on router memory capacity. The route reflector modifies the number of additional paths advertised to match available storage space while maintaining load balancing capabilities within those constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where routers report their available storage space to the route reflector, which then adjusts path advertisements to maintain load balancing within memory constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes techniques for managing path counts at a router. The techniques include monitoring available storage space at a router for storing per prefix routes. In an instance where the available storage space at the router may be inadequate to support continued, stable network operations, the techniques include reducing an amount of per prefix routes that are advertised to the router. The techniques may also include withdrawing previously advertised per prefix routes from the router. As such, path count management concepts may help prevent overload of storage space at a router.