Data Path Validation Packet for Network Symmetry Verification

The patent combines multiple validation information requests into a single validation request packet. The packet includes a validation header with multiple sub-headers, each requesting different validation information (e.g., path symmetry, node capabilities, traffic engineering parameters). This merging approach allows all required validation information to be obtained in one message exchange, eliminating the need for multiple sequential requests and replies.

The validation request packet is designed as a universal structure that can request multiple types of validation information simultaneously. The packet includes a flexible header structure with multiple sub-headers that can be configured to request different validation aspects (path symmetry, node processing capabilities, traffic engineering parameters, etc.). This multi-functional design allows a single packet to serve multiple validation purposes, reducing the number of message exchanges required.

The patent validates path symmetry by intentionally introducing asymmetry in the validation approach. The validation request packet includes a hop sequence that specifies the forward path, and the system checks whether the reverse path (generated by nodes) matches this specified sequence. This asymmetric validation method - specifying one path and verifying its reverse - achieves accurate symmetry validation while simplifying the process compared to independently checking multiple path variations.

The validation process uses feedback mechanisms where intermediate nodes and the destination node generate a reverse hop sequence based on the received forward path sequence. This reverse sequence is fed back to the source node for comparison. The feedback loop automatically verifies path symmetry without requiring complex manual checking, as the network elements themselves provide the verification data through their routing decisions.

The validation request packet is segmented into a hierarchical structure with a main validation header containing multiple sub-headers. Each sub-header corresponds to a specific validation function or node type. This segmentation allows processing instructions to be organized in a structured manner, where each node can efficiently locate and process only the relevant sub-headers applicable to its function, reducing unnecessary processing overhead while maintaining detailed processing accuracy where needed.

The validation header structure applies local quality by providing different levels of processing detail for different parts of the validation process. Critical validation points (such as path symmetry verification) receive detailed processing instructions in specific sub-headers, while less critical aspects use simpler validation mechanisms. This localized detail approach ensures processing accuracy is applied precisely where needed without uniformly increasing complexity across all validation operations.