Method for measuring and maintaining a communication device and communication device

Abstract

The embodiment of the present application discloses a kind of communication equipment's maintenance method and communication equipment.It can effectively improve the accuracy of communication equipment maintenance.It comprises: first, communication equipment obtains first maintenance data packet.The first maintenance data packet carries maintenance identification.Second, the communication equipment predicts first transmission path according to the first maintenance data packet.The first transmission path is the transmission path that the first maintenance data packet will pass through in the communication equipment.Third, the communication equipment tracks the transmission path of the first maintenance data packet to obtain second transmission path.The second transmission path is the transmission path that the first maintenance data packet has passed through in the communication equipment.Fourth, the communication equipment obtains the maintenance information of the first maintenance data packet according to the first transmission path and the second transmission path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method for maintenance and testing of communication equipment and a communication equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Communication between sending and receiving devices can be achieved based on the TCP / IP network layering. The TCP / IP network layering, from highest to lowest, includes the application layer, transport layer, network interconnection layer, and network access layer.

[0003] When a service transmitted by a sending device malfunctions, it is necessary to pinpoint the cause of the failure. For example, this can be done by analyzing the data packets sent and received at the network access layer of the sending device, or by counting routing table hits at the network interconnection layer.

[0004] However, taking the statistical analysis of data packets sent and received at the network access layer as an example, the statistical process increases the overhead of the network access layer in processing data packets. The higher the layer in the network hierarchy, the finer the granularity of the services. For example, one channel in the network access layer carries multiple channels in the network interconnection layer. A channel in the network interconnection layer, in turn, carries multiple channels in the transport layer. Therefore, it is impossible to pinpoint which specific service in which network layer is experiencing a failure from the lower-level network hierarchy. For instance, if a failure is identified at the network access layer, it is impossible to pinpoint whether the failure was caused by the application layer, transport layer, network interconnection layer, or network access layer itself. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides a method for the maintenance and testing of communication equipment, as well as the communication equipment itself, which can effectively improve the accuracy of the maintenance and testing of communication equipment.

[0006] A first aspect of this invention provides a maintenance monitoring method for a communication device. The method includes: first, the communication device acquires a first maintenance monitoring data packet. The first maintenance monitoring data packet carries a maintenance monitoring identifier. Second, the communication device predicts a first transmission path based on the first maintenance monitoring data packet. The first transmission path is the transmission path that the first maintenance monitoring data packet will traverse within the communication device. Third, the communication device tracks the transmission path of the first maintenance monitoring data packet based on the maintenance monitoring identifier to obtain a second transmission path. The second transmission path is the transmission path that the first maintenance monitoring data packet has already traversed within the communication device. Fourth, the communication device acquires maintenance monitoring information of the first maintenance monitoring data packet based on the first transmission path and the second transmission path. As shown in this aspect, the maintenance monitoring information can indicate the specific location of a fault during the transmission of the first maintenance monitoring data packet (e.g., whether the fault occurred in the transport layer, the network interconnection layer, or the network access layer). Furthermore, it can accurately locate the specific network layer where the fault occurred within the network layer of the communication device. For example, if a fault occurs in the transport layer, the communication device can accurately locate the fault in the transport layer based on the maintenance monitoring identifier. This achieves accuracy in maintenance monitoring. Moreover, no manual intervention is required during the maintenance testing of the first maintenance data package, which improves the timeliness and accuracy of maintenance testing and increases maintenance testing efficiency.

[0007] Based on the first aspect, in one optional implementation, the first transmission path includes a first output port, the second transmission path includes a second output port, and the first dimension measurement data packet is used to be output from the communication device via the second output port. The communication device obtains dimension measurement information of the first dimension measurement data packet based on the first transmission path and the second transmission path, including: the communication device generating first dimension measurement information. The first dimension measurement information is used to indicate that the first output port and the second output port are the same. Alternatively, the communication device generates second dimension measurement information. The second dimension measurement information is used to indicate that the first output port and the second output port are different. This implementation can determine whether the first dimension measurement data packet is output from the network device via the correct output port based on the dimension measurement identifier.

[0008] Based on the first aspect, in one optional implementation, the first transmission path includes at least one first transmission node, and the second transmission path includes at least one second transmission node. The communication device obtains the dimension measurement information of the first dimension measurement data packet based on the first transmission path and the second transmission path, including: the communication device generating third dimension measurement information. The third dimension measurement information indicates that the i-th first transmission node included in the first transmission path and the i-th second transmission node included in the second transmission path are the same. Here, i is any positive integer greater than or equal to 1. Alternatively, the communication device generates fourth dimension measurement information. The fourth dimension measurement information indicates that the i-th first transmission node included in the first transmission path and the i-th second transmission node included in the second transmission path are different. This implementation can determine whether each second transmission node traversed by the first dimension measurement data packet is correct based on the dimension measurement identifier.

[0009] Based on the first aspect, in an optional implementation, after the communication device generates the third dimension measurement information, the method further includes: the communication device predicting the first header information included in the first dimension measurement data packet output from the i-th first transmission node; the communication device tracking the second header information included in the first dimension measurement data packet output from the i-th second transmission node; and the communication device generating fifth dimension measurement information. The fifth dimension measurement information is used to indicate that the first header information and the second header information are the same. Alternatively, the communication device generates sixth dimension measurement information. The sixth dimension measurement information is used to indicate that the first header information and the second header information are different. This implementation can determine whether the second transmission node through which the first dimension measurement data packet passes has correctly processed the first dimension measurement data packet.

[0010] Based on the first aspect, in one optional implementation, the second transmission path includes at least one second transmission node. The communication device obtains the dimension measurement information of the first dimension measurement data packet according to the first transmission path and the second transmission path, including: the communication device generating seventh dimension measurement information. The seventh dimension measurement information is used to indicate that the i-th second transmission node failed to forward the first dimension measurement data packet. i is any positive integer greater than or equal to 1. This implementation can determine whether the i-th second transmission node successfully forwarded the first dimension measurement data packet.

[0011] Based on the first aspect, in an optional implementation, after the communication device generates the seventh dimension measurement information, the method further includes: the communication device sending configuration information to the i-th second transmission node, the i-th second transmission node being used to forward the second dimension measurement data packet according to the configuration information, the second dimension measurement data packet carrying the dimension measurement identifier, and the i-th second transmission node receiving the first dimension measurement data packet earlier than receiving the second dimension measurement data packet. In this implementation, sending configuration information to the i-th second transmission node improves the success rate of the i-th second transmission node in forwarding the second dimension measurement data packet.

[0012] Based on the first aspect, in one optional implementation, the communication device acquiring the first dimension measurement data packet includes: the communication device acquiring the dimension measurement identifier. The communication device sets the dimension measurement identifier in the first dimension measurement data packet. As shown in this aspect, the communication device can successfully set the dimension measurement identifier in the first dimension measurement data packet.

[0013] A second aspect of this invention provides a communication device. The communication device includes a processor and a memory. The processor is interconnected with the memory via a line. The processor calls program code in the memory to perform the following steps: First, acquiring a first dimension measurement data packet. The first dimension measurement data packet carries a dimension measurement identifier. Second, predicting a first transmission path based on the first dimension measurement data packet. The first transmission path is the transmission path that the first dimension measurement data packet will traverse within the communication device. Next, tracking the transmission path of the first dimension measurement data packet based on the dimension measurement identifier to obtain a second transmission path. The second transmission path is the transmission path that the first dimension measurement data packet has already traversed within the communication device. Third, acquiring dimension measurement information of the first dimension measurement data packet based on the first transmission path and the second transmission path. For an explanation of the beneficial effects of this aspect, please refer to the first aspect, which will not be elaborated further.

[0014] Based on the second aspect, in one optional implementation, the first transmission path includes a first output port. The second transmission path includes a second output port. The first dimension measurement data packet is used to be output from the communication device via the second output port. The processor is specifically configured to: generate first dimension measurement information. The first dimension measurement information is used to indicate that the first output port and the second output port are the same. Or, generate second dimension measurement information. The second dimension measurement information is used to indicate that the first output port and the second output port are different.

[0015] Based on the second aspect, in one optional implementation, the first transmission path includes at least one first transmission node. The second transmission path includes at least one second transmission node. Specifically, the processor is configured to: generate third-dimensional measurement information. The third-dimensional measurement information is used to indicate that the i-th first transmission node included in the first transmission path and the i-th second transmission node included in the second transmission path are the same. Here, i is any positive integer greater than or equal to 1. Alternatively, it can generate fourth-dimensional measurement information. The fourth-dimensional measurement information is used to indicate that the i-th first transmission node included in the first transmission path and the i-th second transmission node included in the second transmission path are different.

[0016] Based on the second aspect, in an optional implementation, the processor is further configured to: predict the first header information included in the first dimension-detection data packet output from the i-th first transmission node; track the second header information included in the first dimension-detection data packet output from the i-th second transmission node; generate fifth dimension-detection information. The fifth dimension-detection information is used to indicate that the first header information and the second header information are the same. Alternatively, generate sixth dimension-detection information. The sixth dimension-detection information is used to indicate that the first header information and the second header information are different.

[0017] Based on the second aspect, in one optional implementation, the second transmission path includes at least one second transmission node. The processor is configured to generate seventh-dimensional measurement information. The seventh-dimensional measurement information is used to indicate that the i-th second transmission node failed to forward the first-dimensional measurement data packet, where i is any positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0018] Based on the second aspect, in an optional implementation, the processor is further configured to send configuration information to the i-th second transmission node. The i-th second transmission node is configured to forward a second dimension-detection data packet according to the configuration information. The second dimension-detection data packet carries the dimension-detection identifier, and the i-th second transmission node receives the first dimension-detection data packet earlier than it receives the second dimension-detection data packet.

[0019] Based on the second aspect, in an optional implementation, the processor is configured to: obtain the dimension monitoring identifier; and set the dimension monitoring identifier in the first dimension monitoring data packet. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 Example diagram of the first communication system structure provided in this application;

[0021] Figure 2 Example structural diagram of the first communication device provided in this application;

[0022] Figure 3A flowchart illustrating the execution steps of the maintenance and testing method for a first communication device provided in this application embodiment;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a processing example diagram of the second transmission path provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating the execution steps of the maintenance and testing method for a second type of communication device provided in this application embodiment;

[0025] Figure 6 Example diagram of the second communication system architecture provided in this application;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a structural example diagram of the second type of communication device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a structural example diagram of a third type of communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] Combination Figure 1 The communication system of the maintenance and testing method for the communication equipment provided in this application is illustrated. Figure 1 This is an example diagram of the first communication system architecture provided in this application.

[0030] For example, a communication system includes a transmitting device 101 and a receiving device 102. A switch 103, a router 104, a router 105, and a switch 106 are sequentially connected between the transmitting device 101 and the receiving device 102. Data packets output by the transmitting device 101 are sequentially transmitted to the receiving device 102 via the switch 103, router 104, router 105, and switch 106. This application does not limit the type or number of network devices connecting the transmitting device 101 and the receiving device 102.

[0031] Combination Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the structure of the communication device. Among other things, Figure 2 A structural example diagram of the first communication device provided in this application. Figure 2 The communication device shown can be Figure 1 The transmitting device or receiving device shown. The communication device may also be any network device connected between the transmitting device and the receiving device.

[0032] The communication device includes a control plane (CP) 210 and a forwarding plane (or data plane or user plane, DP) 220. The control plane 210 and the forwarding plane 220 operate relatively independently yet collaboratively. The control plane 210 is used to transmit instructions and calculate entries. For example, during packet forwarding, the processes of learning routing protocols and maintaining routing entries reside on the control plane 210. The forwarding plane 220 is used to acquire packets and to encapsulate and decapsulate them. The forwarding plane 220 is connected to one or more output ports. For example, the forwarding plane 220 is connected to output port 231 and output port 232. Packets processed by the forwarding plane 220 are output from the communication device via the output ports.

[0033] This application uses a communication device supporting TCP / IP network layering as an example for illustrative purposes, and does not limit the specific implementation. The communication device provided in this application can also support network layering of any other protocol. For example, it can support network layering of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).

[0034] The following combination Figure 3 The execution process of the maintenance and testing method for the communication equipment provided in this application is illustrated. Among other things, Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the execution steps of a maintenance and testing method for a first communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0035] Step 301: The communication device acquires the first dimension measurement data packet.

[0036] This embodiment uses a communication device as an example. Figure 1 The example shown is of the transmitting device 101. In other examples, the communication device may be any network device connected between the transmitting device 101 and the receiving device 102. Alternatively, the communication device may be the receiving device 102.

[0037] Combination Figure 2 As shown, the application layer 201 of the communication device sends the first dimension measurement data packet to the forwarding plane 220. Specifically, if the application layer 201 detects a target service failure, the application layer 201 sends the first dimension measurement data packet carrying the target service to the forwarding plane 220.

[0038] To ensure that the forwarding plane 220 can perform maintenance testing on the first dimension-testing data packet, the application layer 201 needs to send a first notification signaling to the forwarding plane 220. This first notification signaling instructs the forwarding plane 220 to perform maintenance testing on the first dimension-testing data packet. The application layer 201 can send the first notification signaling to the forwarding plane 220 by setting the error field (errflag) in the message header of the first dimension-testing data packet to "true". The forwarding plane 220 then determines that the first dimension-testing data packet with errflag = true in the message header is the data packet that needs maintenance testing. The description of how the application layer 201 sends this first notification signaling to the forwarding plane 220 in this embodiment is an optional example and is not limited.

[0039] To perform dimension testing on the first dimension testing data packet, the forwarding plane 220 needs to set a dimension testing identifier in the first dimension testing data packet to locate the specific location and cause of the failure during the forwarding process of the first dimension testing data packet carrying the target service. Specifically, the forwarding plane 220 determines that the data packet whose buffer descriptor (BD) identification message header includes errflag=true is the first dimension testing data packet. The forwarding plane 220 sets the dimension testing identifier in the first dimension testing data packet. It should be noted that the description of setting the dimension testing identifier in the first dimension testing data packet in this embodiment is an optional example and is not limited. It can be seen that when different services need to be tested separately, the dimension testing data packets carrying different services carry different dimension testing identifiers.

[0040] To improve the ability to locate faults in the transmission path of the first dimension measurement data packet during the dimension measurement of the target service, the application layer can transmit multiple first dimension measurement data packets carrying the target service to the transport layer. This embodiment does not limit the number of first dimension measurement data packets.

[0041] Step 302: The communication device predicts the first transmission path based on the first dimension measurement data packet.

[0042] The communication device shown in this embodiment performs dimension measurement on the first dimension measurement data packet. Therefore, the transmission path of the first dimension measurement data packet within the forwarding plane 220 can be predicted. Specifically, the control plane 210 shown in this embodiment predicts the first transmission path based on the first dimension measurement data packet. For example, the control plane 210 can determine the first transmission path based on the port number, address information, etc., carried by the first dimension measurement data packet.

[0043] The first transmission path shown in this embodiment includes at least one first transmission node located within the forwarding plane 220. The first transmission path also includes a first output port. The control plane 210 predicts, based on the measurement identifier, that in the future, the first measurement data packet will sequentially pass through each of the first transmission nodes included in the first transmission path until it is output from the network device via the first output port.

[0044] This embodiment uses the example of a first-dimensional data packet being transmitted sequentially through three first transmission nodes in the forwarding plane 220 to the output port 231. It should be noted that the description of the number of first transmission nodes included in the first transmission path and the network layer in which each transmission node is located in this embodiment is optional and not limited. In this embodiment, the three first transmission nodes included in the first transmission path are transmission node 222, transmission node 223, and transmission node 224, located within the forwarding plane 220. The three first transmission nodes are located in different network layers from high to low. In this embodiment, transmission node 222 is a transport layer node, transmission node 223 is an internet layer node, and transmission node 224 is a link layer node. In other examples, the multiple first transmission nodes included in the first transmission path may also be at least partially located in the same network layer.

[0045] Specifically, control plane 210 controls the processing of the transport layer. Therefore, control plane 210 determines the transmission node 222 in the transport layer used to forward the first dimension data packet by accessing the transport layer. Control plane 210 also controls the processing of the internet layer. Therefore, control plane 210 can determine the transmission node 223 in the internet layer used to forward the first dimension data packet by accessing the internet layer. Control plane 210 also controls the processing of the link layer. Therefore, control plane 210 can determine the transmission node 224 in the link layer used to forward the first dimension data packet by accessing the link layer.

[0046] It is known that the control plane 210 can access the forwarding plane 220 to predict the three first transmission nodes that the first dimension data packet will pass through in sequence, namely transmission node 222, transmission node 223, and transmission node 224, to be transmitted to the first output port 231.

[0047] This embodiment uses the example of a communication device's control plane automatically predicting a first transmission path based on a first dimension data packet as an example for illustrative purposes. In other examples, the control plane of the communication device may receive a first transmission path indication message from maintenance personnel or other devices. This first transmission path indication message is used to indicate the identifiers of each transmission node included in the first transmission path and the identifier of the first output port.

[0048] Step 303: The communication device tracks the transmission path of the first dimension data packet to obtain the second transmission path.

[0049] In step 302, the first transmission path obtained by the communication device is the predicted transmission path, that is, the predicted first transmission path of the first dimension-detection data packet on the forwarding plane before the first dimension-detection data packet has been transmitted. It can be understood that this first transmission path is the path the first dimension-detection data packet will take on the forwarding plane. The second transmission path is the actual transmission path taken by the dimension-detection data packet. The following describes three possible methods for the communication device to obtain the second transmission path:

[0050] Method 1 for determining the second transmission path: In this example, the first dimension measurement data packet is configured with a first transmission list. After each transmission node processes the first dimension measurement data packet, each transmission node sets its identifier in the first transmission list. The control plane determines the second transmission path based on the first transmission list from the transmission nodes. For example, the first transmission list can be found in Table 1: It can be seen that the control plane determines the second transmission path based on the first transmission list shown in Table 1, which sequentially includes transmission node 222, transmission node 223, transmission node 224, and output port 231.

[0051] Table 1

[0052] Transmission Node Identifier Transmission Node 222 Transmission Node 223 Transmission Node 224 Output port 231

[0053] For example, after receiving the first dimension measurement data packet, the transmission node processes it. For instance, transmission node 222 encapsulates a transport layer header into the first dimension measurement data packet. Transmission node 222 sets its identifier (as shown in Table 1) in the first transmission list. This embodiment does not limit the description of the identifier content for each transmission node, as long as there is a one-to-one correspondence between the identifier and the transmission node. Similarly, after processing the first dimension measurement data packet, transmission node 222 sets its identifier in the first transmission list included in the first dimension measurement data packet. After processing the first dimension measurement data packet, transmission node 224 sets its identifier in the first transmission list included in the first dimension measurement data packet. When output port 231 processes the first dimension measurement data packet to output it, its identifier can be set in the first transmission list included in the first dimension measurement data packet. In the first transmission list, the order of the identifiers represents the transmission nodes and output ports that the first dimension measurement data packet passes through sequentially.

[0054] In this embodiment, each transmission node may report the first transmission list to the control plane 210. Alternatively, only the output port 231 may report the first transmission list to the control plane 210. For example, if the output port 231 reports the first transmission list as shown in Table 1, then the control plane can determine that the second transmission path sequentially includes transmission node 222, transmission node 223, transmission node 224, and output port 231.

[0055] The second transmission path determination method 2 differs from method 1 in that each transmission node and output port included in the second transmission path reports an identifier to the control plane, and also reports second header information. The process of reporting the identifier is described in method 1 and will not be repeated here. The second transmission list shown in this method is shown in Table 2:

[0056] Table 2

[0057] Transmission Node Identifier Second header information Transmission Node 222 Second header information L1 Transmission Node 223 Second header information L2 Transmission Node 224 Second header information L3 Output port 231 Second header information L4

[0058] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 4 The diagram illustrates the second transmission path actually traversed by the first-dimensional data packet. Among them, Figure 4This is an example diagram illustrating the processing of the second transmission path provided in this application embodiment. A first dimension measurement data packet from application layer 201, for example, an application payload (APP payload), is input to transmission node 222. Transmission node 222 encapsulates the first dimension measurement data packet with second header information L1. The second header information L1 is a transport layer header. Transmission node 222 outputs the first dimension measurement data packet, including the APP payload and the transport layer header, to transmission node 223. The transmission node also reports the second header information L1 to the control plane. Transmission node 223 receives the first dimension measurement data packet from transmission node 222. Transmission node 223 encapsulates the first dimension measurement data packet with an internet layer header. The first dimension measurement data packet output by transmission node 223 includes the APP payload, transport layer header, and internet layer header. Transmission node 223 reports the second header information L2 to the control plane. The second header information L2 includes the transport layer header and the internet layer header. Transmission node 224 receives a first dimension-based data packet from transmission node 223. Transmission node 224 encapsulates the first dimension-based data packet with a network access layer header (link layer header). The first dimension-based data packet output by transmission node 224 includes the APP payload, transport layer header, internet layer header, and link layer header. Transmission node 224 reports second header information L3 to the control plane. This second header information L3 includes the transport layer header, internet layer header, and link layer header. After receiving the first dimension-based data packet from transmission node 224, output port 231 processes the first dimension-based data packet and reports the second header information L4 to the control plane.

[0059] The second header information reported by each node (transmission node or output port) in the second transmission path shown in this example to the control plane is the part of the node's processing of the first dimension measurement data packet. For example, the second header information could be the part of the first dimension measurement data packet added by each node, the part of the first dimension measurement data packet reduced by the node, the part of the first dimension measurement data packet read by the node, the part of the first dimension measurement data packet processed by the node, the part of the first dimension measurement data packet deleted by the node, etc.

[0060] As can be seen, based on the second transmission list shown in Table 2, the control plane can determine each node that the first dimension measurement data packet passes through in sequence, as well as the part of the first dimension measurement data packet that each node processes (i.e., the second header information).

[0061] Method 3 for determining the second transmission path involves each transmission node and output port included in the second transmission path reporting second header information to the control plane. Alternatively, only the output ports may report second header information to the control plane. The process of reporting the second header information is described in Method 2 and will not be repeated here. Control plane personnel or maintenance staff can determine the second transmission path based on the second header information reported by each transmission node and output port.

[0062] For example, the second header information reported via output port 231 includes a transport layer header, an internet layer header, and a link layer header. Based on this second header information, control plane 210 determines that the second transmission path includes three transmission nodes: a transmission node 222 for encapsulating the transport layer header, a transmission node 223 for encapsulating the internet layer header, and a transmission node 224 for encapsulating the link layer header.

[0063] Step 304: The communication device obtains the maintenance information of the first maintenance data packet according to the first transmission path and the second transmission path.

[0064] The communication device shown in this embodiment obtains the maintenance information of the first maintenance data packet based on the predicted first transmission path and the second transmission path actually traversed by the first maintenance data packet. The maintenance information of the first maintenance data packet shown in this embodiment is used to pinpoint the specific location of a fault during the transmission of the target service carried by the first maintenance data packet within the communication device. The optional content of the maintenance information shown in this embodiment is described below:

[0065] Optional content 1

[0066] The control plane compares the predicted first output port of the first transmission path with the actual second output port of the first dimension measurement data packet in the second transmission path to see if they are the same. Based on whether the first output port and the second output port are the same, the control plane generates corresponding dimension measurement information.

[0067] For example, the first output port included in the first transmission path is output port 231, and the second output port included in the second transmission path is also output port 231. Then, the control plane generates first dimension measurement information. This first dimension measurement information indicates that the first output port and the second output port are the same. Therefore, when the control plane generates this first dimension measurement information, it means that the first dimension measurement data packet is output from the communication device via the correct output port.

[0068] For example, the first output port included in the first path is output port 231, and the second output port included in the second transmission path is output port 232. Then, the control plane generates second dimension information. This second dimension information is used to indicate that the first output port and the second output port are different. It can be seen that when the control plane generates this second dimension information, it indicates that the first dimension data packet was not output from the communication device through the correct output port (i.e., the first output port).

[0069] Optional content 2

[0070] The control plane determines whether the first dimension measurement data packet passes through each second transmission node in the second transmission path correctly by comparing the first transmission path and the second transmission path. Based on the correctness of each second transmission node traversed by the first dimension measurement data packet in the second transmission path, the control plane generates corresponding dimension measurement information.

[0071] Optionally, the control plane can determine each second transmission node and the second output port included in the second transmission path according to the second transmission path determination method 1 and the second transmission path determination method 2 shown in step 303. This example takes an example where the first transmission path includes the i-th first transmission node and the second transmission path also includes i second transmission nodes.

[0072] The i is any positive integer greater than or equal to 1. As shown in the example above, the first transmission path includes transmission node 222, transmission node 223, and transmission node 224. If i = 1, then the i-th first transmission node is transmission node 222. Similarly, if i = 3, then the i-th first transmission node is transmission node 224. The second transmission path includes i second transmission nodes.

[0073] For example, if the control plane determines that the i-th first transmission node in the first transmission path and the i-th second transmission node in the second transmission path are the same, then the control plane generates third-dimensional measurement information. Continuing as... Figure 2As shown, if the i-th first transmission node in the first transmission path is transmission node 223, and the i-th second transmission node in the second transmission path is also transmission node 223, then it indicates that the first dimension measurement data packet is transmitted via the correct i-th second transmission node. The third dimension measurement information generated by the control plane is used to indicate that the i-th first transmission node included in the first transmission path and the i-th second transmission node included in the second transmission path are the same. When the control plane generates this third dimension measurement information, it indicates that the first dimension measurement data packet is transmitted via the correct i-th first transmission node.

[0074] For example, if the control plane determines that the i-th first transmission node in the first transmission path is different from the i-th second transmission node in the second transmission path, then the control plane generates fourth-dimensional measurement information. Continuing... Figure 2 As shown, if the i-th first transmission node in the first transmission path is transmission node 223, and the i-th second transmission node in the second transmission path is not transmission node 223, then it indicates that the first dimension measurement data packet was transmitted via the wrong i-th second transmission node. The fourth dimension measurement information generated by the control plane is used to indicate that the i-th first transmission node included in the first transmission path and the i-th second transmission node included in the second transmission path are different. When the control plane generates this fourth dimension measurement information, it indicates that the first dimension measurement data packet was transmitted via the wrong i-th first transmission node. The operation and maintenance personnel or the measurement system can specifically locate the iN-th second transmission node in the second transmission path that was transmitted incorrectly based on the fourth dimension measurement information. Specifically, if the control plane determines that the first dimension measurement data packet was transmitted via the wrong i-th second transmission node, the reason for this error is due to a forwarding error by the upstream second transmission node (iN-th second transmission node) located in the second transmission path. The value of N is any positive integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than i.

[0075] Optional content 3

[0076] As shown in Optional Content 2 above, when the control plane generates the third dimension measurement information, it indicates that the first dimension measurement data packet is transmitted via the correct i-th first transmission node. The control plane in this example can also determine whether the i-th first transmission node correctly processes the first dimension measurement data packet when it is transmitted via the i-th transmission node.

[0077] The control plane can predict how the i-th first transmission node processes the first dimension measurement data packet based on the dimension measurement identifier, so as to predict the first header information output after the i-th first transmission node processes the first dimension measurement data packet. For the process of the i-th first transmission node processing the first dimension measurement data packet and outputting the second header information, please refer to the process described above where the second transmission node processes the first dimension measurement data packet and outputs the second header information; details will not be repeated here.

[0078] The control plane tracks the second header information output from the i-th second transmission node based on the dimension measurement identifier of the first dimension measurement data packet. It can be seen that the i-th second transmission node is the transmission node that actually processed the first dimension measurement data packet. For an explanation of how the i-th second transmission node processes the first dimension measurement data packet, please refer to the explanation of how the i-th first transmission node processes the first dimension measurement data packet; details will not be repeated here.

[0079] The control plane compares the first header information with the second header information to see if they are the same. If the control plane determines that the first header information and the second header information are the same, it means that the i-th second transmission node has correctly processed the first dimension data packet. If the control plane determines that the first header information and the second header information are different, it means that the i-th second transmission node has incorrectly processed the first dimension data packet.

[0080] If the control plane determines that the first header information and the second data are the same, it generates fifth dimension information. This fifth dimension information indicates that the first header information and the second header information are the same. That is, it indicates that the i-th second transmission node correctly processed the first dimension data packet. If the control plane determines that the first header information and the second header information are different, it generates sixth dimension information. This sixth dimension information indicates that the first header information and the second header information are different. That is, it indicates that the i-th second transmission node incorrectly processed the first dimension data packet.

[0081] Optional content 4

[0082] As shown in Optional Contents 1 to 3 above, the second transmission path includes the first dimension measurement data packet being transmitted through various second transmission nodes on the forwarding plane to the second output port. However, it is possible that a transmission node on the forwarding plane, after receiving the first dimension measurement data packet, fails to process it. Therefore, the second transmission path shown in this example includes one or more transmission nodes that have successfully forwarded the first dimension measurement data packet. See also... Figure 2As shown, if second transmission nodes 222 and 223 have successfully forwarded the first dimension measurement data packet, but second transmission node 224 fails to forward the first dimension measurement data packet, then the second transmission path shown in this example only includes second transmission nodes 222 and 223. For example, continuing to refer to the second transmission path determination method 1 above, it can be seen that only transmission node 223 reported the first transmission list, which includes the identifiers of transmission nodes 222 and 223. The control plane cannot receive the subsequently reported first transmission list with added identifiers. Therefore, the control plane determines that second transmission node 224 failed to forward the first dimension measurement data packet. It can be seen that the control plane can determine which specific transmission node failed to forward the first dimension measurement data packet by comparing the first transmission path and the second transmission path. Specifically, the first transmission path predicted by the control plane includes transmission node 222, transmission node 223, transmission node 224, and output port 231 in sequence. The second transmission path actually traversed by the first dimension measurement data packet includes transmission nodes 222 and 223. Furthermore, the control plane did not detect the first dimension measurement data packet carrying the dimension measurement identifier at either output port 231 or output port 232. Since the control plane did not detect the first dimension measurement data packet carrying the dimension measurement identifier at either output port, the control plane determined that the first dimension measurement data packet failed to be forwarded at the forwarding plane. The control plane then determined, by comparing the first transmission path and the second transmission path, that the first dimension measurement data packet failed to be forwarded at transmission node 224.

[0083] As can be seen, the control plane can determine which transmission node in the forwarding plane failed to forward the first-dimensional data packet by comparing the first and second transmission paths. If the control plane determines that the i-th second transmission node included in the second transmission path failed to forward the packet, the control plane generates seventh-dimensional information. This seventh-dimensional information indicates that the i-th transmission node failed to forward the first-dimensional data packet. In this embodiment, i is any positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0084] In this example, if the control plane determines that the i-th second transmission node fails to forward the data packet, the seventh dimension information generated by the control plane can also be used to indicate the reason why the i-th second transmission node failed to forward the first dimension data packet. For example, the seventh dimension information can be used to indicate that the header checksum of the first dimension data packet is incorrect, the route of the first dimension data packet is not hit, or the transmission node exit of the first dimension data packet is not enabled, etc.

[0085] The measurement information generated by the control plane can be displayed to maintenance personnel through the network management interface of the communication device. For example, the measurement information can be displayed on the network management interface as logs or monitoring lists. Alternatively, the measurement information can also be output as audio to prompt maintenance personnel. This embodiment does not limit the output method of the measurement information on the communication device.

[0086] Step 305: The communication device sends configuration information to the i-th second transmission node.

[0087] Step 305 shown in this embodiment is an optional step. If the control plane determines that the i-th second transmission node included in the second transmission path fails to forward the first dimension measurement data packet, the control plane sends configuration information to the i-th second transmission node. This configuration information is used to enable the i-th second transmission node to forward the second dimension measurement data packet. The second dimension measurement data packet carries the dimension measurement identifier. The i-th second transmission node receives the first dimension measurement data packet earlier than it receives the second dimension measurement data packet.

[0088] For example, if the i-th second transmission node fails to forward the first dimension measurement data packet, the application layer 201 can resend the second dimension measurement data packet to the forwarding plane. The dimension measurement identifier carried by the second dimension measurement data packet is the same as that carried by the first dimension measurement data packet. It can be seen that both the first and second dimension measurement data packets are data packets carrying the target service. The i-th second transmission node can forward the second dimension measurement data packet based on the configuration information to improve the success rate of forwarding the second dimension measurement data packet. For example, if the i-th second transmission node fails to forward the first dimension measurement data packet due to a route miss, then the configuration information sent to the i-th second transmission node by the control plane is a routing table for routing data packets carrying dimension measurement identifiers. When the i-th second transmission node receives the second dimension measurement data packet carrying the dimension measurement identifier, the i-th second transmission node can route the second dimension measurement data packet based on the routing table included in the configuration information. This embodiment does not limit the configuration information, as long as the i-th second transmission node can forward the dimension measurement data packet carrying the dimension measurement identifier based on the configuration information.

[0089] The execution process of the control plane shown in this embodiment can be replaced by any other module in other application scenarios. For example, the function performed by the control plane shown in this embodiment can be executed by a specific software module, a separate chip, or a separate integrated circuit, without any specific limitation.

[0090] The beneficial effects of the method shown in this embodiment are explained below:

[0091] In this embodiment, when the communication device determines that a transmission failure has occurred in the target service, it can perform dimension measurement based on the first dimension measurement data packet carrying the target service. Furthermore, the communication device can predict the first transmission path of the first dimension measurement data packet within the communication device based on the first dimension measurement data packet. The communication device then tracks the second transmission path of the first dimension measurement data packet during its actual transmission within the communication device. The communication device obtains dimension measurement information by comparing the first and second transmission paths. This dimension measurement information indicates the specific location of the failure during the transmission of the first dimension measurement data packet (e.g., whether the failure occurred at the transport layer, the network interconnection layer, or the network access layer).

[0092] Maintenance testing based on the method shown in this embodiment can accurately locate the faulty network layer within the network hierarchy of a communication device. For example, if a fault occurs in the transport layer, the communication device can accurately pinpoint the fault in the transport layer based on the maintenance testing identifier. This achieves high accuracy in maintenance testing.

[0093] The method shown in this embodiment eliminates the need for manual intervention during the maintenance testing of the first maintenance data packet, improving the timeliness and accuracy of maintenance testing and increasing its efficiency. The communication device only performs maintenance testing on the first maintenance data packet carrying the maintenance testing identifier, ignoring packets without this identifier. This avoids the overhead and waste of computing resources associated with testing packets without the identifier. Because the communication device shown in this embodiment can perform maintenance testing on the first maintenance data packet carrying the identifier, it improves the utilization efficiency of computing resources and ensures the performance of the communication device during the maintenance testing process.

[0094] If the communication equipment determines that the i-th second transmission node fails to forward the first maintenance data packet, it can send configuration information to the i-th second transmission node to improve its ability to successfully forward subsequent maintenance data packets carrying maintenance identifiers. This configuration information enables self-healing for the i-th second transmission node, improving the accuracy and efficiency of troubleshooting the communication equipment. Furthermore, troubleshooting the i-th second transmission node does not affect the forwarding of other data packets without maintenance identifiers, thus avoiding disruption to normal service transmission during the maintenance process.

[0095] The following combination Figure 5 The method provided in this application is described. Figure 5 The illustrated embodiments and Figure 3 The difference between the illustrated embodiments lies in the process of setting the maintenance identifier in the maintenance data packet. Specifically, Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the execution steps of the second communication device maintenance and testing method provided in this application embodiment.

[0096] Step 501: The communication device obtains the maintenance and testing identifier.

[0097] In this embodiment, to locate the fault position during the transmission of the first dimension measurement data packet, the control plane can obtain the dimension measurement identifier. Continuing with the example that the first dimension measurement data packet originates from the application layer, the application layer sends control plane signaling to the control plane. This control plane signaling indicates that the dimension measurement data packet carrying the target service is a data packet requiring dimension measurement. This embodiment does not limit the content included in the control plane signaling; for example, the control plane signaling carries the message characteristics of the first dimension measurement data packet, enabling the control plane signaling to locate the first dimension measurement data packet in the communication device based on its message characteristics. The message characteristics of the first dimension measurement data packet can be the identifier of the target service, the target address, or the source address, etc.

[0098] The control plane obtains the corresponding maintenance identifier based on control plane signaling. Specifically, the control plane can obtain different maintenance identifiers based on different control plane signaling. These different control plane signaling instructions are used to instruct maintenance data packets carrying different target services to undergo maintenance monitoring.

[0099] The above example illustrates the control plane signaling originating from the application layer of the communication device. This embodiment does not limit the source of the control plane signaling. For example, see... Figure 6 As shown, communication devices 601 and 602 are connected via a network. The first dimension measurement data packet is a data packet output by communication device 601. It can be seen that when communication device 601 determines that the target service has failed, it sends the first dimension measurement data packet carrying the target service to communication device 602 via the network. Communication device 601 also sends control plane signaling to communication device 602. Communication device 602 sets a dimension measurement identifier in the first dimension measurement data packet from communication device 601 according to the control plane signaling.

[0100] The control plane signaling shown in this embodiment can also be input by maintenance personnel into the control plane of the communication equipment. The control plane sets a maintenance identifier in the first maintenance data packet based on the control plane signaling input by the maintenance personnel.

[0101] Step 502: The communication device sets the dimension measurement identifier in the first dimension measurement data packet.

[0102] The control plane shown in this embodiment can set the dimension identifier in the first dimension data packet in the BD. For a detailed explanation of the process of setting the dimension identifier in the first dimension data packet, please refer to [link to documentation]. Figure 3 Step 301 is shown below, and will not be elaborated further.

[0103] Step 503: The communication device predicts the first transmission path based on the first dimension measurement data packet.

[0104] Step 504: The communication device tracks the transmission path of the first dimension data packet to obtain the second transmission path.

[0105] Step 505: The communication device obtains the dimension measurement information of the first dimension measurement data packet according to the first transmission path and the second transmission path.

[0106] Step 506: The communication device sends configuration information to the i-th second transmission node.

[0107] For a description of the execution process of steps 503-506 shown in this embodiment, please refer to [link to documentation]. Figure 3 The corresponding steps 302-305 are shown below, and will not be elaborated further.

[0108] For an explanation of the beneficial effects of this embodiment, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 3 The specific details of the corresponding embodiments are not elaborated here.

[0109] This application also provides a communication device. The structure of this communication device can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 7 As shown. Among them, Figure 7 This is a structural example diagram of a second type of communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device includes a processor 701 and a memory 702. The processor 701 is interconnected with the memory 702 via a line.

[0110] The processor 701 calls the program code in the memory 702 for execution. Figure 3 The corresponding steps are 301 to 305. The processor 701 calls the program code in the memory 702, and can also execute code for performing... Figure 5 The corresponding steps are 501 to 506.

[0111] The structure of the communication device is described below from the perspective of its functional modules. The structure of this communication device can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 8 As shown. Among them, Figure 8 This is a structural example diagram of a third type of communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device includes an acquisition module 801 and a processing module 802.

[0112] Module 801 is used for execution Figure 2 The corresponding step is 301. Processing module 802 is used to execute steps 302 to 305. Acquisition module 801 is used to execute... Figure 5 The corresponding step is 501. The processing module 802 is used to execute steps 502 to 506.

[0113] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for maintaining and testing a communication device, characterized in that, The method includes: The communication device acquires a first dimension measurement data packet, which carries a dimension measurement identifier. The communication device predicts a first transmission path based on the first dimension measurement data packet, and the first transmission path is the transmission path that the first dimension measurement data packet will take within the communication device. The communication device tracks the transmission path of the first maintenance data packet according to the maintenance identifier to obtain the second transmission path, the second transmission path being the transmission path that the first maintenance data packet has already traversed in the communication device; The communication device obtains the maintenance information of the first maintenance data packet according to the first transmission path and the second transmission path; The first transmission path includes a first output port, the second transmission path includes a second output port, the first transmission path includes at least one first transmission node, and the second transmission path includes at least one second transmission node.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first maintenance data packet is used to be output from the communication device via the second output port. The communication device obtains maintenance information of the first maintenance data packet according to the first transmission path and the second transmission path, including: The communication device generates first dimension measurement information, which is used to indicate that the first output port and the second output port are the same. Alternatively, the communication device generates second dimension information, which is used to indicate that the first output port and the second output port are different.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The communication device obtains the maintenance information of the first maintenance data packet based on the first transmission path and the second transmission path, including: The communication device generates third-dimensional measurement information, which is used to indicate that the i-th first transmission node included in the first transmission path and the i-th second transmission node included in the second transmission path are the same, where i is any positive integer greater than or equal to 1; Alternatively, the communication device generates fourth-dimensional measurement information, which is used to indicate that the i-th first transmission node included in the first transmission path and the i-th second transmission node included in the second transmission path are different.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, After the communication device generates the third-dimensional measurement information, the method further includes: The communication device predicts the first header information included in the first dimension-based data packet output from the i-th first transmission node; The communication device tracks the second header information included in the first dimension data packet output from the i-th second transmission node; The communication device generates fifth dimension information, which is used to indicate that the first header information and the second header information are the same; Alternatively, the communication device generates a sixth dimension measurement information, which is used to indicate that the first header information and the second header information are different.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The communication device obtains the maintenance information of the first maintenance data packet according to the first transmission path and the second transmission path, including: The communication device generates seventh dimension measurement information, which is used to indicate that the i-th second transmission node included in the second transmission path failed to forward the first dimension measurement data packet, where i is any positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, After the communication device generates the seventh-dimensional measurement information, the method further includes: The communication device sends configuration information to the i-th second transmission node. The i-th second transmission node is used to forward a second dimension measurement data packet according to the configuration information. The second dimension measurement data packet carries the dimension measurement identifier, and the time when the i-th second transmission node receives the first dimension measurement data packet is earlier than the time when it receives the second dimension measurement data packet.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The communication device acquires the first dimension measurement data packet including: The communication device acquires the maintenance identifier; The communication device sets the maintenance identifier in the first maintenance data packet.

8. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a processor and a memory, the processor being interconnected with the memory via a line; the processor calls program code in the memory to perform the following steps: Obtain the first dimension measurement data packet, which carries a dimension measurement identifier; A first transmission path is predicted based on the first dimension measurement data packet, and the first transmission path is the transmission path that the first dimension measurement data packet will take within the communication device. The transmission path of the first maintenance data packet is tracked according to the maintenance identifier to obtain the second transmission path, which is the transmission path that the first maintenance data packet has already traversed in the communication device; The maintenance information of the first maintenance data packet is obtained according to the first transmission path and the second transmission path; The first transmission path includes a first output port, the second transmission path includes a second output port, the first transmission path includes at least one first transmission node, and the second transmission path includes at least one second transmission node.

9. The communication device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first dimension measurement data packet is used to be output from the communication device via the second output port, and the processor is specifically used for: Generate first dimension measurement information, which is used to indicate that the first output port and the second output port are the same; Alternatively, a second dimension measurement information may be generated, which is used to indicate that the first output port and the second output port are different.

10. The communication device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The processor is specifically used for: Generate third-dimensional measurement information, which is used to indicate that the i-th first transmission node included in the first transmission path and the i-th second transmission node included in the second transmission path are the same, where i is any positive integer greater than or equal to 1; Alternatively, a fourth dimension measurement information may be generated, which is used to indicate that the i-th first transmission node included in the first transmission path and the i-th second transmission node included in the second transmission path are different.

11. The communication device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The processor is also used for: Predict the first header information included in the first dimension-predicting data packet output from the i-th first transmission node; The second header information included in the first dimension measurement data packet output from the i-th second transmission node is tracked. Generate fifth-dimensional measurement information, which is used to indicate that the first header information and the second header information are the same; Alternatively, a sixth dimension measurement information may be generated, which is used to indicate that the first header information and the second header information are different.

12. The communication device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The processor is configured to generate seventh dimension measurement information, which indicates that the i-th second transmission node included in the second transmission path failed to forward the first dimension measurement data packet, where i is any positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

13. The communication device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The processor is further configured to send configuration information to the i-th second transmission node, the i-th second transmission node being configured to forward a second dimension measurement data packet according to the configuration information, the second dimension measurement data packet carrying the dimension measurement identifier, and the i-th second transmission node receiving the first dimension measurement data packet at a time earlier than receiving the second dimension measurement data packet.

14. The communication device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The processor is configured to: acquire the maintenance identifier; and set the maintenance identifier in the first maintenance data packet.

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