Extended Ping Protocol for Unreachable Network Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network interface testing tools, such as ping, require network reachability to function effectively, which is not feasible for interfaces without assigned IP addresses, posing security risks and increasing operational costs.
Innovation Solution
The extended ping protocol allows connectivity testing of unreachable network interfaces by using a hardware-based programmable processor to send ICMP echo request packets with additional fields that identify the unreachable interface, enabling testing without direct network reachability through various probe types like interface address, name, or index.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual IP addresses are assigned to each network interface, then network reachability for testing is improved, but security risks and operational expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where ICMP echo requests are sent to a reachable interface of the target device, and the target device acts as a mediator to forward the test to the unreachable interface. This allows testing without directly addressing the unreachable interface, thus avoiding the need to assign individual IP addresses to each interface while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables a single reachable IP address to serve multiple functions: it can be used to test multiple different interfaces (reachable and unreachable) of the same target device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for each interface to have its own dedicated IP address, reducing security risks and operational costs while maintaining testing capability.
2Ease of operation
If individual IP addresses are assigned to each network interface, then interface testing capability is improved, but operational expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single IP address universal for testing multiple interfaces. Instead of requiring one IP address per interface (which increases operational expenses), the system allows one IP address to test multiple interfaces by using the target device's processing capability to redirect the test to the specified unreachable interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The target device performs self-service by receiving the echo request at its reachable interface and automatically forwarding the test to the unreachable interface specified in the request. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional addressing infrastructure, reducing operational expenses while maintaining full interface testing capability.
3Ease of operation
If conventional ping protocol is used, then testing simplicity is maintained, but inability to test unreachable interfaces occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the conventional ping protocol by modifying the ICMP echo request packet structure to include additional parameters: an interface identifier and a probe type field. These parameter changes allow the protocol to identify and test unreachable interfaces while maintaining the basic ping functionality and simplicity for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the interface identification function from the addressing function. Instead of requiring the IP address to directly identify the interface to be tested, the protocol separates these functions by including a dedicated interface identifier field and probe type field in the packet, allowing independent specification of the target interface.
Data Source
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AI summary
An extend ping protocol is described that allow connectivity tests to be performed for individual network interfaces of a target device without requiring network reachability between the testing device and the remote interface whose status is being queried. Moreover, the extend ping protocol supports a plurality of different probe types that allow an administrator to control how identification information within an extended ping echo request is resolved to the unreachable interfaces.