Abstract

A routing system and method utilizes a highly-adaptive, loop-free, distributed routing algorithm for dynamic networks. The basic, underlying method is neither a distance-vector nor a link-state method; the invention employs an algorithm which is one of a family of algorithms which are called "link reversal" algorithms. The protocol's reaction is structured as a sequence of diffusing computations, each computation consisting of a sequence of directed link reversals. This behavior is achieved, in part, through the use of a "physical or logical clock" to establish the temporal order of topological change events. A key concept in the protocol's design; is an attempt to decouple (to the greatest extent possible) the generation of far-reaching control message propagation from the dynamics of the network topology. These design characteristics make the protocol highly-adaptive, efficient and scalable-being best-suited for use in large, dynamic, bandwidth-constrained networks. In such networks, the protocol's reaction to link failures typically involves only a single pass of the distributed algorithm. The results of a simulation study indicate that for a given available bandwidth, as either the size of the network or the rate of topological changes increases, the performance the invention eventually exceeds that of ILS.

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Description

PTO

Inventor(s)

M. Scott Corson, Vincent Park

Date Issued

12/23/2003

Patent No.

6,667,957

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