Gb Switched Router

Wow, I should have read this before the last paper. This was a thorough description of how (semi) modern routers are designed, complete with descriptions of terminology used all over the previous paper. It describes the algorithms used in these routers as well. Lastly, it suggests a modification to these algorithms for multicast routing.

The paper was clear, unambiguous and totally helpful. I always assume that anything in networks/systems is actually dead simple, and this demonstrates that. This paper is fantastically valuable, and should totally be in the reading.

I really found the model of adoption for routers to be interesting. As we discussed in class, you worried that RED and other algorithms are not being used due to ignorance, or worry or whatnot. This shows, to me at least, that it's not that case. They've pushed cutting edge algorithms in at the router level, the difference is that these algorithms give a performance boost under the common case while RED does not. RED only benefits you in high congestion, which you avoid like the fucking plague. The algorithms speed up your router all the time. So, I think to have an impact on the routing world you can't focus on esoteric events like congestion collapse, you have to focus on the common case or no one will care.