Routing Methods, Systems, And Computer Program Products
Patent No. US11784914 (titled "Routing Methods, Systems, And Computer Program Products") was filed by Morris Routing Technologies Llc on Apr 20, 2021.
What is this patent about?
’914 is related to the field of network routing and, more specifically, to methods for directing data packets across a network using segment identifiers. Traditional IP routing relies on destination addresses and routing tables, which can become complex and inefficient in large networks. This patent addresses the need for more flexible and efficient routing mechanisms, particularly in scenarios where specific path control is desired.
The underlying idea behind ’914 is to use segment identifiers to explicitly define the path a data packet should take through the network. Instead of relying solely on destination addresses and routing tables, the transmitting node selects a sequence of segment identifiers that represent nodes, network interfaces, or network regions along the desired path. This allows for more granular control over routing decisions and enables traffic engineering to optimize network performance.
The claims of ’914 focus on a method performed by a transmitting node. The node receives segment identifiers from other nodes, stores them in a data structure representing the network topology, and then selects a sequence of these identifiers based on a policy. This sequence defines a path segment to a receiving node. The transmitting node then identifies its own network interface based on the first segment identifier in the sequence, stores the remaining identifiers in the packet header, and transmits the packet.
In practice, this invention allows a network administrator to predefine specific paths for certain types of traffic. For example, traffic requiring low latency could be routed along a path with fewer hops, while less critical traffic could be routed along a path with more available bandwidth. The specified policy allows for dynamic adaptation to changing network conditions, such as link failures or congestion.
This approach differs from traditional IP routing in that it provides explicit path control . Instead of relying on routing protocols to determine the best path, the transmitting node dictates the path by including the sequence of segment identifiers in the packet header. This eliminates the need for intermediate routers to perform complex routing table lookups, potentially reducing latency and improving network efficiency. The inclusion of a particular node determined during routing allows for some flexibility, enabling the network to adapt to unforeseen circumstances while still adhering to the overall path defined by the segment identifiers.
How does this patent fit in bigger picture?
Technical landscape at the time
In the early 2010s when ’914 was filed, networking systems commonly relied on established routing protocols and address assignment strategies. At a time when IP address space limitations were becoming apparent, techniques for efficient routing and address management were of increasing importance. Hardware and software constraints made it non-trivial to implement complex routing algorithms and efficiently manage network resources.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The application was allowed because the claims were clear in light of the applicant's continuation application for previously allowed parent case 16/195,830. The applicant's arguments and claim set were intended to improve the claim condition for allowance. A terminal disclaimer was filed, and an agreement was reached.
Claims
This patent contains 21 claims, with claim 1 being the only independent claim. Independent claim 1 is directed to a method involving a transmitting node receiving segment identifiers, storing them in a data structure, selecting a sequence based on policy, identifying a network interface, storing a subsequence in a packet header, and transmitting the packet. The dependent claims generally elaborate on and refine the method of independent claim 1, adding details related to node scoped network interface identifiers, link failure handling, path segment identifiers, routing tables, network regions, and communication protocols.
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Date
Description
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US11784914
- Application Number
- US17235923
- Filing Date
- Apr 20, 2021
- Status
- Granted
- Expiry Date
- Mar 30, 2033
- External Links
- Slate, USPTO, Google Patents