Method and Apparatus for the Fast Detection of Connectivity Loss Between Devices in a Network

Abstract

A method and apparatus for quickly determining the status of a network device in a network communicates status inquiry messages over the forwarding plane of one network device to at least one neighboring network device. The status inquiry messages indicate the connectivity status with at least one neighboring network device.

Description

PRIORITY[0001]This application claims priority from provisional U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60 / 186,512, filed Mar. 2, 2000, entitled “FAST LIVENESS PROTOCOL (FLIP)” and bearing attorney docket number 2204 / A33, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein, in its entirety, by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to communication systems, and more particularly, to propagating status inquiry messages in a network for determining the status of network devices.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Many applications and services communicate information over computer networks, such as the Internet, in the form of data packets. Network devices (e.g., routers and switches) process and forward data packets to neighboring network devices in the network according to addressing information contained therein. Logic contained in the network devices is responsible for processing and forwarding received protocol data packets. This logic includes the “forwar...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a method and device that allows a network device to quickly determine the status of another network device in its network. This is done by sending messages over the network, called status inquiry messages, that indicate the connection status with other devices. The messages are sent periodically and the network device can also advertise its own status before exchanging information with other devices. The invention can be used in LANs, WANs, or the internet and can be implemented as a computer program. The technical effect of the invention is to provide a faster and more efficient way to communicate with network devices and to help troubleshoot network issues more quickly.

Problems solved by technology

Undesirably, however, interruptions of data flow often occur causing network devices to lose connectivity with neighboring network devices in the network.

Existing hello messages are typically processed by the control plane and thus, produce a significant communication delay (e.g., from a few seconds to tens of seconds) before a network device is alerted of a loss of connectivity with a neighbor.

Such delay often inhibits a network device from recovering from a loss of connectivity, commonly causing data to be lost.

Accordingly, such a relatively long delay does not adequately provide the intended safeguards of the keep-alive services.

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