Pathlet routing is an alternative routing protocol proposed to address scalability and multipath routing issues with BGP. It defines "pathlets" which are sequences of virtual nodes (vnodes) leading to a destination, allowing more path options. Routers exchange pathlet information using a path vector algorithm similar to BGP. This allows traffic to be shaped at each vnode and more robust routing. The document outlines the key components of pathlet routing, including vnodes, pathlets, and the dissemination process, and provides a timeline for implementing a pathlet routing system to emulate the behavior.