Architectural designs for a scalable reconfigurable IP router

We present two flexible Internet Protocol (IP) router hardware (HW) architectures that enable a router to (1) readily expand in capacity according to network traffic volume growth; and (2) reconfigure its functionalities according to the hierarchical network layer in which it is placed. Reconfigurability is effectuated by a novel method called Methodology for Hardware Unity and an associated functional unit: Special Processing Agent, which can be built using state-of-the-art technology. More specifically, reconfiguration between an “edge” and a “hub” or “backbone” router can be done rapidly via a simple “OPEN/CLOSE” connection approach. Such architectures may, among other benefits, significantly extend the intervals between router HW upgrades for Internet services providers. They can serve as the basis for development of the next generation IP routers, and are directly applicable to the emerging concept of a single-layer IP network architecture.