System and method for routing data packets over an Internet Protocol network

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This patent introduces a novel routing system for IP networks that combines commodity PC hardware running open-source routing software for control operations with low-cost, programmable switching hardware for high-speed packet forwarding. The system offloads packet forwarding to the switch, which uses fast memory to cache frequently used routing entries and handles most of the traffic, while less common traffic is managed by the PC. Smart prediction and cache management techniques are used to optimize which routes are stored on the switch, enabling cost-effective, high-performance, and flexible routing solutions that approach the robustness of traditional carrier-grade routers.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Internet service provider (ISP) core and aggregation network routers to reduce hardware costs and increase flexibility.
• Data center network infrastructure to build high-throughput, scalable routing systems using commodity components.
• Enterprise networks seeking cost-effective yet reliable alternatives to expensive, proprietary routers.
• Network research and testbeds experimenting with new protocols or routing architectures, leveraging open-source software and programmable switches.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significantly lower hardware costs by using standard PC and commodity switch hardware instead of proprietary high-end routers.
• High routing performance (terabit-level throughput) through the use of hardware-accelerated switching (using TCAMs) for popular routes.
• Separation of software (control plane) and hardware (forwarding plane) development enables faster innovation, easier upgrades, and greater flexibility.
• Dynamic, intelligent cache management maximizes fast-path efficiency and minimizes the need for frequent hardware updates.
• Flexible and extensible architecture allows interoperability with existing routing protocols and hardware, and supports rapid customization or expansion.
• Enhances scalability for growing IP routing tables—suitable for large, evolving networks.
• Enables use of open-source software in carrier-grade applications, reducing software licensing costs and vendor lock-in.

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Patent Abstract

The present invention revisits the architecture of IP routers based on the observations i) that the quality of open source routing software is getting to a point where it is usable in carrier grade networks and ii) that the major difference between switches and routers is in the software. Accordingly, the present invention proposes an alternative low cost high-performance router concept that a) uses commodity PC hardware with an open source software router for the control path and b) couples it with lower cost switching hardware by delegating packet forwarding to the switch. The present invention describes an implementation scenario and shows that the system according to the present invention is capable of handling full IP routing tables and the traffic requirements of a carrier aggregation network.