The Internet Control Architecture: Successes and Challenges

Abstract

The Internet has evolved into a very robust system that is integral part of our lives today. In large part, this is due to the clever development and engineering of routing algorithms and congestion controllers. In this talk we explore how this came about, focusing on the major changes that have occurred in the Internet control architecture over the years. We also examine the recent development of formal modeling and control frameworks within which to study these problems. These frameworks make us better able to appreciate earlier decisions made during the 80s. At the same time, they also allow us to identify shortcomings in the current architecture. In particular, the current control architecture separates congestion control from routing. We present the development of a new architecture that resolves these shortcomings as a challenge. The talk concludes with some preliminary ideas for such an architecture.