What This Document Is
This document is a set of lecture notes detailing the architectural design of routers, a fundamental component of modern communication networks. Created for the ELENG 122 course at the University of California, Berkeley, it provides a focused exploration of the internal workings of these critical networking devices. It delves into the evolution of router designs and the key considerations driving their development. This material is intended to build a strong foundational understanding of router technology.
Why This Document Matters
This resource is invaluable for students studying communication networks, computer engineering, and related fields. It’s particularly helpful for those seeking to understand the practical challenges and design trade-offs involved in building high-performance routers. Professionals involved in network infrastructure, system design, or performance analysis will also find this a useful reference. Use this material to supplement coursework, prepare for projects, or deepen your understanding of network technologies.
Topics Covered
* Evolution of Router Architectures (from first to third generation designs)
* Key Performance Metrics and Design Constraints (power, size, bandwidth, cost)
* Interconnect Architectures (shared memory, shared bus, switched backplane)
* Input and Output Interface Functions (packet forwarding, buffer management, scheduling)
* The relationship between router design and network performance
* Factors influencing the need for faster routers and increased capacity
* Concepts of input/output speedup and interconnect speedup
What This Document Provides
* Illustrative examples of commercially available router hardware.
* A breakdown of the core functions performed within a router’s data path.
* A discussion of the trade-offs between different architectural choices.
* An overview of the requirements and challenges in router design.
* Diagrams and visual aids to illustrate key concepts.
* A focused exploration of the factors driving the evolution of router technology.