routing arbiter

Routing Arbiter (RA)
Routing arbiter (RA) is an entirely new element introduced into the NAP architecture. RA organization implements the concept of policy – based net – work routing of traffic between different networks efficiently. In the past, ators. This is now recognized as a key for network efficiency. In the past, although several tools were available to apply routing algorithms, they were not used in a well – coordinated way. In a large network such as the Internet, applying individual routing policies without proper coordination and simulation of the consequences leads to an unmanageable situation. The solution for controlling the chaos is the routing arbiter (RA).
RA will maintain database of routing services that have networks attached to the NAPs backbone access points. They can be used to obtain information on network topology, policy, and interconnection information in order to construct routing tables. This job will fall to an organization chosen to handle a number of routing tasks that formerly were part and parcel of the role of backbone provider. In fact, the solicitation warns that the routing arbiter and the - Mbps backbone provider cannot be same organization. According to the NSF salutation, “this component of the architecture will provide for an unbiased routing scheme which will be available [but not mandatory]. For all attached networks” [NSF92].
Under the new NSF architecture, Merit and Information Science Institute (ISI) have been selected to jointly implement the role of routing arbiter ( http://www.ra.net ). Merit will have the central role in technical coordination for Internet Service providers who need to interchange traffic. This function is needed to assure smooth operations and stability for the Internet during the data transition to new technologies resulting from this award program and beyond. Merit will also work with ISI to implement new technologies for routing traffic among Internet networks, using high powered workstations as “route servers.” Merit will be responsible for deploying new routing technologies that are expected to be a key to accommodating continued Internet growth and complexity resulting from the many new user of the Internet in the next few years. For instance, a key task for the routing arbiter will be to enhance the use of new switched services offered by the telco carriers, such as ATM, in the place of the dedicated point-to-point technology that is widely deployed in wide – area internetworks.
The major goals for the routing arbiter including advanced of Internet routing algorithms with respect to scaling and stability issues, routing information registration and dissemination for the network service providers serving the Internet, deployment of route servers to aid in the dissemination and real – time maintenance of the global routing system, and coordination and sharing of technical information in support of the Internet operations community. A key element for enabling information sharing is the routing arbiter database (RADB). Data from the RA database may be used by any one worldwide to help with debugging, configuring, and engineering Internet routing and addressing.