Method and apparatus for coordinating routing parameters via a back-channel communication medium
First Claim
1. A communications back-channel, for coordinating routing decisions, the communications back channel comprising:
- a plurality of networking devices;
a plurality of routing intelligence units, wherein each of the plurality of routing intelligence units includes software programmed to control a corresponding subset of the plurality of networking devices, each of the plurality of routing intelligence units including;
one or more processes programmed to control a corresponding subset of networking devices; and
one or more coordination processes programmed to generate and exchange routing performance information with the remaining plurality of routing intelligence units;
a mesh coupling the one or more coordination processes, wherein the one or more coordination processes are programmed to exchange routing performance information over the mesh; and
a set of links separate from the mesh and coupling the plurality of routing intelligence units to the plurality of networking devices.
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Abstract
Systems and methods are described for enabling routers to coordinate via a back-channel communication medium. The information exchanged over the back-channel is used to increase the number of paths considered for the routers during route optimization. The Decision Makers may assert routes and prefixes to the routers under their control. This may be done via a Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) feed. The Decision Makers, in turn, communicate separately with one another, in order to coordinate routing policy amongst themselves. This coordination may be performed over a back-channel, which may take the form of physical or logical connections between the Decision Makers.
229 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A communications back-channel, for coordinating routing decisions, the communications back channel comprising:
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a plurality of networking devices; a plurality of routing intelligence units, wherein each of the plurality of routing intelligence units includes software programmed to control a corresponding subset of the plurality of networking devices, each of the plurality of routing intelligence units including; one or more processes programmed to control a corresponding subset of networking devices; and one or more coordination processes programmed to generate and exchange routing performance information with the remaining plurality of routing intelligence units; a mesh coupling the one or more coordination processes, wherein the one or more coordination processes are programmed to exchange routing performance information over the mesh; and a set of links separate from the mesh and coupling the plurality of routing intelligence units to the plurality of networking devices. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12)
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11. A communications back-channel for coordinating routing decisions, the communications back channel comprising:
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a plurality of routers; a plurality of routing intelligence units, wherein each of the plurality of routing intelligence units includes software for controlling a distinct subset of the plurality of routers, wherein each of the plurality of routing intelligence units further includes; one or more processes for controlling the distinct subset of routers; and one or more coordination processes for exchanging performance information among the plurality of routing intelligence units; and a mesh directly coupling each of the plurality of routing intelligence units to the remaining routing intelligence units, the plurality of routing intelligence units programmed to exchange only performance information over the mesh.
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Specification