Forwarding Table Fault Location Using Search Statistics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Forwarding faults in network communication are difficult to locate, time-consuming, and require high skill, hindering quick network restoration.

Innovation Solution

A method and device using a controller to analyze table search statistical results from multiple forwarding tables to identify faulty tables based on normal and abnormal search behaviors, enabling accurate and efficient fault location.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional manual fault locating methods are used on complex networks, then fault locating can be performed with existing tools, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires high skill levels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault locating accuracyVSAvoidfault locating time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic fault location by having forwarding devices self-report table search statistical results to the controller. The controller automatically analyzes these results to identify faulty forwarding tables, eliminating the need for manual intervention and significantly reducing both time and skill requirements for fault locating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where forwarding devices continuously report table search statistical results to the controller. The controller analyzes this feedback information to detect anomalies and automatically locate faults, creating a closed-loop system that improves both speed and accuracy of fault detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If comprehensive monitoring of all forwarding tables is implemented, then fault locating accuracy is improved, but system complexity and resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault locating accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts only the essential information needed for fault detection - specifically table search statistical results - from the forwarding devices. By focusing on this specific metric rather than monitoring all possible parameters, the system achieves high fault locating accuracy while keeping the implementation relatively simple and resource-efficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If automated fault detection systems are deployed, then fault locating time is reduced, but the complexity of the system increases and requires additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault locating efficiencyVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller performs multiple functions: it manages normal forwarding table operations, collects statistical results from forwarding devices, analyzes these results for fault detection, and locates faults automatically. By making the controller multi-functional, the system achieves high automation and productivity without requiring separate dedicated fault detection hardware, thus limiting the increase in system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3886364B1Method and device for determining location of forwarding fault
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3886364B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3886364B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP3886364B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention provide a forwarding fault location determining method and device. According to the method, a controller receives a plurality of table search statistical results of a plurality of forwarding tables for a first service from one or more forwarders. The plurality of forwarding tables include a first forwarding table and a second forwarding table, and the first forwarding table is prior to the second forwarding table in terms of a search sequence. Subsequently, the controller determines, based on a table search statistical result of the first forwarding table for the first service and a table search statistical result of the second forwarding table for the first service, that table search behavior of the first forwarding table for the first service is normal and table search behavior of the second forwarding table for the first service is abnormal. The controller determines, based on the determining result, that the second forwarding table is a faulty forwarding table for the first service. According to this method, in addition to locating a faulty forwarder, the controller can further efficiently determine a faulty forwarding table.