The internet may not be as fool-proof and strong as people believe it to be. Even with the advancements in technology, the slightest accidents in the physical world can lead to crashes in the virtual world. Nick McKeown believes he has the solution to the problem.

McKeown, a computer scientist at Stanford University, California, insists that the solution to the problem lies in the routers, the traffic controllers of the virtual world. Routers are in charge of diverting data in case of a break in the internet connection. However, present-day routers are so slow in doing so that data is discarded during internet traffic jams. The possibility of testing a new router software also becomes almost impossible because testing of this on the actual virtual world can be hazardous.

McKeown and colleague Guru Parulkar have developed OpenFlow, a new router system, and a method to test the software as well. They believe this new system is the answer to a resilient internet free from the hazards of physical accidents and natural calamities. OpenFlow allows a user to take control of the routeing process and decisions. OpenFlow is currently being funded by GENI apart from a host of other companies.

Via: NewScientist