Ethernet Monitoring Using Marker and Beacon Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring connectivity and route tracing in Ethernet-based networks, especially those using VLAN switching, are inefficient and require compliance with specific standards, making them unsuitable for networks with diverse segments and lacking end-to-end connectivity checks below the OSI network layer.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring system that uses special frames with marker and beacon sequences to check continuity and trace routes end-to-end within Ethernet networks, independently of network layer protocols, by inserting marker frames and beacon frames to detect node interactions and measure latency, without requiring standard compliance from network components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated point-to-point testing equipment is used to identify misbehaving network components, then connectivity testing can be performed, but the testing process becomes time-consuming and expensive for large networks requiring equipment movement between many ports
Solution Approach 1:
The network elements themselves perform the testing functions by generating, forwarding, and detecting test frames autonomously. Each network element acts as both tester and testee, eliminating the need for external dedicated testing equipment and manual port-by-port testing, thereby dramatically reducing testing time and cost while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The test frame structure is designed to be universally compatible with multiple network element types and protocols. A single test frame format can be used across different network layers and device types, allowing the same testing mechanism to serve diverse networking scenarios without requiring specialized equipment for each case
2Reliability
If end-to-end connectivity tests are performed using dedicated testing equipment, then connectivity between end points can be verified, but no further information is provided about the source and location of the problem within the network
Solution Approach 1:
The test frame includes fields that carry feedback information about the path traversed and the state of network elements. As the test frame circulates through the network, each element that processes it can add information about its own status and the frame's passage, providing detailed feedback that identifies the location and source of connectivity problems
Solution Approach 2:
The test frame structure allows for nested information containing, where inner frames or information elements are embedded within outer frames. This enables multiple layers of diagnostic information to be contained within a single test frame transmission, providing both end-to-end connectivity verification and detailed problem location data simultaneously
3Extent of automation
If automated information-gathering methods incorporate characterization information into transmitted messages to trace network connections, then connection tracing can be accomplished, but large transmission capacity is required due to the size of the information chain
Solution Approach 1:
The essential tracing information is extracted and placed in a compact, standardized format within the test frame header or designated fields. Rather than embedding complete characterization data for every network element encountered, only the critical identifying information is retained, significantly reducing the amount of data that must be transmitted while maintaining automation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The information representation is transformed from detailed textual descriptions to compact parameter-based encoding. Network element characteristics are represented using standardized parameters and codes rather than full descriptive strings, reducing the transmission capacity required while preserving the ability to automatically trace and identify connection paths
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a monitoring system and method for performing a connectivity check and a trace routing test in Ethernet based networks built around VLAN switching. For the connectivity check, a beacon frame is inserted at an originating point by an initiating test unit for transmission to a destination point provided with a loop for returning a response frame to the initiating test unit whenever the beacon frame is received, thereby confirming connectivity between the originating and destination points. For the trace routing test, a marker frame is inserted at the originating point by the initiating test unit and monitored as it passes through network nodes along its way towards the destination point. At any node where the beacon frame is detected, a tracing frame containing a copy of the marker frame is returned to the initiating test unit to build a sequential list of every node where the marker frame is detected.