Loopback Packet Tracking for Precise Network Loop Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network loop detection technologies lack intuitive solutions for confirming network loops and determining specific devices and interface information involved, leading to inefficient loop-breaking actions.
Innovation Solution
A network loop position detection method and system that generates and updates loopback detection packets with forwarding information at each network device, allowing for precise identification of loop positions by analyzing forwarding durations and interface states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional loop detection technology is used to identify the presence of a loop, then loop detection capability is achieved, but the ability to determine specific devices and interface information involved in the loop is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where loopback detection packets are sent through the network and return to the source with accumulated forwarding information from each intermediate device. Each forwarding device adds its device ID, interface information, and forwarding duration to the packet, creating a feedback loop that brings back detailed path information for precise loop position identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses loopback detection packets as intermediaries to carry forwarding information through the network. These packets act as mediators that collect and transport information from intermediate forwarding devices back to the source device, enabling the identification of specific devices and interfaces involved in the loop without requiring direct communication between them.
2Productivity
If loop-breaking action is performed based on configuration without knowing the direct cause, then loop breaking capability is achieved, but the reasonableness and optimality of the loop-breaking action cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection by sending loopback detection packets through the network before taking loop-breaking actions. This preliminary action collects forwarding information from all intermediate devices, including device IDs, interface information, and forwarding durations, enabling network maintenance personnel to make informed decisions about which loop to break and where to break it for optimal results.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback information about the loop path including specific devices, interfaces, and forwarding durations. This feedback enables network maintenance personnel to evaluate the reasonableness of loop-breaking actions and choose the most appropriate breaking point based on actual network conditions rather than arbitrary configuration.
3Measurement precision
If forwarding information is accumulated in loopback detection packets, then loop position identification accuracy is improved, but packet size and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The loopback detection packet serves multiple functions: it acts as a probe to detect loops, a carrier to transport forwarding information from intermediate devices, and a data structure to accumulate path information. This multi-functionality justifies the increased packet size and processing complexity, as the same packet structure enables precise loop position identification without requiring separate mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided in the present disclosure are a network loop position detection method and system, and a storage medium and an electronic device. The method comprises: in response to the start of a loopback detection operation, generating a first loopback detection message, which carries first forwarding information corresponding to an egress port of a source device; sending the first loopback detection message to a forwarding device in a target network, wherein the forwarding device is used for instructing devices other than the source device in the target network, and the first loopback detection message is updated by means of adding second forwarding information corresponding to the forwarding device; receiving the updated first loopback detection message, and adding, to the first loopback detection message, first forwarding information corresponding to an ingress port of the source device, so as to generate a second loopback detection message; and performing network loop position detection on the target network on the basis of the second loopback detection message. The problems of a loop confirmation scheme for a network not being sufficiently direct, and being unable to determine the specific device and interface information of a network loop are solved.