{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853900","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9853900","title":"Using consistent hashing for ECMP routing","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2017-08-07T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04L","H04L","H04L","H04L","H04L"],"num_claims":18,"abstract":"ECMP routing is carried out in fabric of network entities by representing valid destinations and invalid destinations in a group of the entities by a member vector. The order of the elements in the member vector is permuted and fanned out. A portion of the elements in the fanned out vector is pseudo-randomly masked. A flow of packets is transmitted to the first valid destination in the masked member vector."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Using Consistent Hashing for Ecmp Routing patent introduces an innovative approach to optimizing traffic distribution in network fabrics. The core innovation lies in representing valid and invalid destinations within a group of network entities using a member vector, permuting the order of elements, and then pseudo-randomly masking a portion of these elements. This process ensures that traffic is transmitted to the first valid destination in the masked vector.\n\nThe problem being solved is the inefficiency of traditional ECMP (Equal-Cost Multi-Path) routing methods, which can lead to flow collisions and suboptimal resource utilization. This patent addresses these issues by providing a more intelligent and adaptable approach to traffic distribution.\n\nThe key technical approach involves creating a member vector that represents the availability of destinations, permuting and masking this vector to randomize traffic distribution, and then transmitting traffic to the first valid destination encountered. This ensures that traffic is routed efficiently and avoids congested paths.\n\nThe business value and applications of Using Consistent Hashing for Ecmp Routing are significant. By improving traffic distribution, the invention enhances network performance, reduces latency, and increases overall efficiency. This leads to better user experiences, cost savings in network infrastructure management, and improved network resilience. It's particularly valuable for data centers, cloud environments, and ISPs.\n\nThe market opportunity for this technology is substantial, as the demand for efficient and reliable network routing continues to grow. As networks become increasingly complex and dynamic, the need for sophisticated traffic distribution techniques will only increase. This patent provides a robust and scalable solution for addressing these challenges, making it a valuable asset for network operators.","layman_explanation":"1. What Problem Does This Solve?\nTraditional network routing methods, especially in large networks, often struggle to efficiently distribute traffic across multiple paths. This can lead to congestion on some paths while others remain underutilized, resulting in slower speeds, increased latency, and a degraded user experience. Existing solutions often lack the dynamic adaptability needed to respond effectively to changing network conditions, making them less efficient and reliable.\n\n2. How Does It Work?\nThe Using Consistent Hashing for Ecmp Routing patent addresses this problem by using a smarter way to distribute network traffic. Imagine you have several roads leading to the same destination, and you want to ensure that each road is used efficiently. This technology creates a 'map' of all available paths, and then uses a special method called 'consistent hashing' to decide which path each piece of traffic should take. It's like having a traffic controller that constantly monitors the roads and directs traffic to the least congested routes. The system uses a 'member vector' to represent the available paths, and then shuffles and masks this vector to ensure that traffic is distributed randomly but consistently. This means that even if one path becomes unavailable, the system can quickly redirect traffic to another available path without causing major disruptions.\n\n3. Why Does This Matter?\nThis innovation matters because it can significantly improve the performance and reliability of networks. By distributing traffic more efficiently, it reduces congestion, lowers latency, and enhances the overall user experience. This is particularly important for businesses that rely on fast and reliable network connectivity, such as cloud service providers, data centers, and online gaming companies. The competitive advantages include improved network performance, reduced operational costs, and enhanced customer satisfaction. The potential ROI is high, as businesses can reduce their infrastructure costs while delivering a better service to their customers.\n\n4. What's Next?\nThe future applications of this technology include integration into next-generation network equipment and software. As networks become increasingly complex and dynamic, the need for intelligent traffic distribution techniques will only grow. The market adoption timeline is likely to be gradual, as businesses evaluate the benefits and integrate the technology into their existing infrastructure. However, the investment implications are clear: this technology has the potential to transform the way networks are managed and optimized, creating significant opportunities for investors and businesses alike.","technical_analysis":"The Using Consistent Hashing for Ecmp Routing patent details a system designed to optimize traffic distribution within a network fabric. The system operates by representing valid and invalid destinations in a group of network entities using a member vector. This vector is then subjected to a permutation process, where the order of its elements is changed to introduce randomness. Following permutation, a portion of the elements in the fanned-out vector is pseudo-randomly masked.\n\nThe technical architecture revolves around the creation and manipulation of the member vector. The implementation details involve carefully designing the permutation and masking algorithms to ensure optimal traffic distribution. The algorithm specifics focus on achieving a balance between randomness and predictability to avoid flow collisions while maintaining consistent performance.\n\nIntegration patterns involve incorporating this system into existing network infrastructure, typically through software updates or hardware modifications. The performance characteristics of this system are notable, with improvements in traffic distribution, reduced latency, and enhanced network resilience. Code-level implications suggest the need for careful optimization of the permutation and masking algorithms to minimize computational overhead.\n\nFurther technical analysis reveals that the choice of hashing function is crucial for achieving consistent hashing. The function should distribute traffic evenly across available paths while minimizing the impact of network topology changes. The system's ability to dynamically adapt to changing network conditions is a key feature, allowing it to maintain optimal performance even in highly dynamic environments. This innovation offers a significant advancement in ECMP routing technology, providing a robust and scalable solution for optimizing traffic distribution in modern networks. The approach helps in improving user experience, reducing latency and increasing the overall efficiency.","business_analysis":"The Using Consistent Hashing for Ecmp Routing patent presents a significant business opportunity in the networking and telecommunications industries. The core value proposition lies in its ability to optimize traffic distribution, enhance network performance, and improve overall efficiency.\n\nThe market opportunity size is substantial, as the demand for efficient and reliable network routing continues to grow. With the increasing reliance on cloud computing, streaming services, and other bandwidth-intensive applications, network operators are constantly seeking ways to improve their infrastructure and deliver better user experiences.\n\nThe competitive advantages of this technology are clear. By using consistent hashing, the system avoids the remapping of flows that can occur with traditional hashing methods when network topologies change. This stability minimizes disruption and ensures consistent performance across the network.\n\nThe revenue potential for this technology is significant. Network operators can license the technology to improve their existing infrastructure, or it can be integrated into new networking equipment. The business model can be based on licensing fees, subscription services, or a combination of both.\n\nFrom a strategic positioning perspective, this patent positions the assignee as a leader in network optimization technology. The company can leverage this innovation to attract new customers, expand its market share, and build a stronger brand reputation.\n\nROI projections suggest that the investment in this technology can yield significant returns. By improving network performance and reducing operational costs, network operators can achieve a substantial ROI over the long term. The system's ability to dynamically adapt to changing network conditions further enhances its value, ensuring that it remains effective even as network topologies evolve.","faqs":null,"topics":["ECMP routing","consistent hashing","network optimization","traffic distribution","network resilience","technical","using","consistent"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Consistent Hashing for ECMP Routing - Patent US-9853900","description":"Explore how Consistent Hashing for ECMP Routing optimizes network traffic distribution and enhances resilience. Full patent analysis, claims, and implications.","keywords":["ECMP routing","consistent hashing","network optimization","traffic distribution","network resilience","patent","patent US-9853900"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853900","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853900","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Using consistent hashing for ECMP routing\" (US-9853900). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853900","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853900","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9853900","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-31T18:34:34.389Z"}