08-model-router-architecture-patterns

Question 1

What is the Model Router pattern?

Answer 1

An architectural pattern that abstracts the underlying Foundation Model behind a routing layer, allowing the application to swap between models (e.g., GPT-4, Claude, Llama) at runtime without rewriting application logic. Provides vendor resilience and cost optimization.

Question 2

Why is the Model Router pattern critical for federal systems?

Answer 2

It provides resilience against vendor policy changes, price increases, new neutrality findings that might disqualify a model, and advances in capability. The volatile regulatory environment makes model-agnostic architecture essential.

Question 3

How does the Model Router support cost optimization?

Answer 3

It routes simple queries to smaller, faster, cheaper models (SLMs) and complex queries to larger, more capable models (like GPT-4). This maximizes quality within a constrained compute budget.

Question 4

What is Policy-as-Code (PaC)?

Answer 4

The practice of encoding governance, compliance, and safety rules as executable code (e.g., OPA/Rego scripts) rather than manual review. Provides deterministic guardrails outside the probabilistic model, ensuring non-compliant content is intercepted before reaching the user.