Network Connectivity Verification Using Layer 3 Heartbeats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network verification techniques using layer 2 heartbeats are inefficient in identifying connectivity breaks and determining which network segments should maintain connectivity to a server, as they only provide information about NIC team member connectivity and not the location of the break or accessible network devices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that uses layer 3 heartbeats and an external network device to test connectivity between NIC team members and the server, designating a new primary NIC if connectivity is lost, and utilizing community IP and MAC addresses in request packets to verify connectivity across network segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If layer 2 heartbeat verification is used to monitor NIC team connectivity, then basic connectivity status can be detected, but the location of connectivity breaks and accessible network devices cannot be identified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external network device as an intermediary to perform layer 3 connectivity verification. This external device receives layer 3 heartbeat packets from the server and sends responses back, enabling the server to determine not only whether connectivity exists but also which specific network devices are accessible through each NIC team member, thereby identifying the location of connectivity breaks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional layer 2 heartbeat mechanism (which only checks basic connectivity) with a layer 3 heartbeat mechanism that uses IP-based communication. This substitution enables more precise connectivity verification by leveraging layer 3 routing information to identify accessible network devices and locate connectivity breaks
2Productivity
If traditional connectivity verification methods are used, then simple NIC team status can be monitored, but efficient identification and recovery of network issues cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the external network device responds to layer 3 heartbeat packets sent by the server. By analyzing the responses (or lack thereof) from the external device, the server can efficiently identify connectivity issues and automatically designate a new primary NIC team member, enabling rapid recovery without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary connectivity verification by continuously sending layer 3 heartbeat packets before actual network operations occur. This allows the system to proactively identify connectivity issues and switch to a backup NIC team member before critical failures impact network operations, thereby maintaining high reliability
3Quantity of substance
If layer 2 heartbeats are used for connectivity monitoring, then NIC team member status can be tracked, but determination of which network segment should maintain connectivity is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The external network device serves as an intermediary that provides detailed information about which network segments are accessible through each NIC team member. By routing layer 3 heartbeat packets through different network paths and analyzing responses from the external device, the system can determine which network segment should maintain connectivity to the server
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprising a computer including a plurality of network interface controllers (NICs), the plurality of NICs associated with an address. The system further comprises a switching apparatus coupled to the computer and an echo device coupled to the switching apparatus. The echo device is adapted to send a packet to the switching apparatus to verify connectivity with the plurality of NICs. The packet comprises the address. The switching apparatus compares the address with a data structure to locate a matching address. If no matching address is located, the switching apparatus sends copies of the packet to each of the plurality of NICs coupled to the switching apparatus.