Method and apparatus for coordinating routing parameters via a back-channel communication medium
First Claim
1. A method of exchanging routing performance information amongst a plurality of decision makers, each decision maker controlling a distinct subset of a plurality of routers, wherein the plurality of decision makers are in communication via a mesh dedicated to exchanging routing performance information, the method comprising:
- asserting a first plurality of preferred routes for a first plurality of prefixes to the subset of routers; and
concurrent with the asserting the first plurality of preferred routes, sending a first plurality of performance scores generated from performance measurements for the first plurality of routes to the plurality of decision makers via the mesh; and
routing the first plurality of prefixes through a SPAL.
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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.
268 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of exchanging routing performance information amongst a plurality of decision makers, each decision maker controlling a distinct subset of a plurality of routers, wherein the plurality of decision makers are in communication via a mesh dedicated to exchanging routing performance information, the method comprising:
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asserting a first plurality of preferred routes for a first plurality of prefixes to the subset of routers; and concurrent with the asserting the first plurality of preferred routes, sending a first plurality of performance scores generated from performance measurements for the first plurality of routes to the plurality of decision makers via the mesh; and routing the first plurality of prefixes through a SPAL. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for deciding between best routes and default routes, comprising:
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converting, by an RIU, measurements into scores, the measurements comprising information on performance of a plurality of routes traversing a router; sending, by a Decision Maker, a plurality of updates to the router; and routing, by the router, a prefix through a best available SPAL once a steady state has been achieved. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for selecting a SPAL, comprising:
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polling, by a first thread, a database for changes in one or more of;
per-SPAL performance, load, and coverage;inserting, by the first thread, a prefix update in a priority queue; accessing, by a second thread, the prefix update; and sending, by the second thread, the prefix update to an RIU via a communication back-channel. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification