LACP Packet Timeout Fault Detection via Phase Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
In link aggregation networks, detecting faults due to LACP packet timeouts is challenging, especially when internal modules cannot capture packets for positioning, leading to inefficiencies in fault identification and reporting.
Innovation Solution
The method involves carrying a phase identifier in LACP packets to indicate negotiation phases and generating LACP service processing entries to record processing phases, enabling fault detection based on phase identifiers and service processing entries to identify LACP packet timeouts, thus facilitating rapid and precise fault location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If internal modules cannot capture packets for positioning, then fault detection capability is limited, but implementing traditional packet capture methods increases system complexity and cannot achieve precise fault positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces LACP packets as an intermediary carrier that contains phase identifiers. These packets traverse through the system and carry negotiation phase information, enabling fault detection without requiring internal modules to capture and analyze complex internal states. The LACP packet serves as a mediator that bridges the gap between distributed components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical packet capture methods (which require physical access to internal modules and complex capture hardware) with a software-based phase tracking system. The system uses software to generate, send, and track LACP packets with phase identifiers, substituting hardware-based capture mechanisms with software-based phase monitoring.
2Productivity
If traditional fault detection methods are used without phase identifiers, then system complexity remains low, but fault detection efficiency and speed are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-embedding phase identifiers into LACP packets before they are transmitted through the system. The negotiation phases are predetermined and encoded in advance, allowing the receiving end to quickly identify fault locations without performing complex real-time analysis. This pre-prepared information structure enables rapid fault detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter structure of LACP packets by adding phase identifier fields that encode negotiation phase information. This parameter enhancement transforms the packets from simple communication carriers into informative traces that carry diagnostic data, enabling efficient fault detection while maintaining protocol compatibility through structured parameter extensions.
3Measurement precision
If LACP packets carry phase identifiers and generate service processing entries, then fault positioning precision is improved, but information processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fault detection process into distinct phases represented by phase identifiers in LACP packets. Each negotiation phase is divided into identifiable segments, allowing the system to track which specific phase a fault occurred in. This segmentation enables precise fault identification without requiring processing of the entire negotiation history.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates simplified copies of negotiation state information by encoding phase identifiers in LACP packets. Instead of processing complex internal state data, the system uses these compact phase identifier copies to track negotiation progress and identify faults. The LACP service processing entries serve as lightweight copies that capture essential diagnostic information.
Data Source
AI summary
A fault detection method of LACP packet timeout provided including: receiving a LACP packet from a target port of the partner device through a local port, the LACP packet at least includes a phase identifier to indicate a negotiation phase of a LACP negotiation process between the target port and the local port; sending a response LACP packet corresponding to the LACP packet to the target port through the local port; generating a LACP service processing entry for the LACP packet to indicate a LACP service processing phase performed by the actor device for the LACP packet; in response to that no LACP packet from the target port being received through the local port continues for a preset waiting time, performing fault detection based on the phase identifier and the LACP service processing entry so to obtain fault cause information to indicate a LACP packet timeout of the target port.