Network Path Verification Using LSP Ping and BFD Protocols
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Solution Overview
Problem
Verifying connectivity along label switched paths (LSPs) in computer networks, especially where LSP traffic is dynamically load balanced over multiple paths using equal cost multi-path (ECMP) or other mechanisms, is difficult and resource intensive, requiring complex connectivity protocols.
Innovation Solution
A first node in the network uses the Label Switched Path (LSP) ping protocol to learn paths and concurrently determine packet header information necessary to direct packets for both LSP ping and Bidirectional Forwarding Detection (BFD) protocols, allowing for efficient verification of connectivity status using the BFD protocol, which is more resource-friendly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If LSP ping protocol is used to verify each LSP path, then connectivity verification accuracy is improved, but resource consumption increases and detection frequency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes LSP ping exploration packets serve multiple functions: they both discover network paths and carry BFD protocol information needed for connectivity verification. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate path discovery and connectivity verification processes, reducing resource consumption while maintaining verification accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs path discovery and BFD information collection in advance using LSP ping exploration packets before actual connectivity verification is needed. This preliminary action prepares all necessary path information and BFD parameters upfront, enabling efficient subsequent verification without repeated resource-intensive operations
2Measurement precision
If LSP ping protocol is used to verify multiple paths, then connectivity verification accuracy is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LSP ping exploration packet is designed to simultaneously perform path discovery for multiple paths and collect BFD protocol information in a single operation. This universal approach simplifies the operational process by eliminating the need to separately configure and execute multiple verification protocols for different paths
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the path discovery function and connectivity verification function into a unified process using LSP ping exploration packets that carry both LSP ping and BFD information. This combination reduces operational complexity by consolidating multiple separate operations into a single integrated verification mechanism
3Reliability
If continual connectivity verification is performed on multiple LSP paths, then reliability is improved, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic connectivity verification using BFD protocol at configured intervals rather than continual verification. This periodic approach maintains reliable monitoring of LSP path status while significantly reducing resource consumption compared to continuous verification, allowing the system to balance reliability requirements with resource availability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses lightweight BFD protocol packets for continual connectivity verification instead of more resource-intensive LSP ping packets. These simple, lightweight verification packets consume minimal resources while effectively maintaining reliability monitoring, effectively using 'cheap' verification mechanisms for ongoing monitoring
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described for verifying a status of a set of paths through a computer network for two or more connectivity protocols. For example, a node uses a first connectivity protocol to concurrently learn information that will cause packets conforming to the first connectivity protocol and packet conforming to a second connectivity protocol to traverse a set of paths through a computer network. After learning this information, the node may verify a status of each of the paths using the first connectivity protocol. In addition, the node may verify a status of each of the paths using the second connectivity protocol. By verifying the status of the paths using both the first and the second connectivity protocols, the node may be able to quickly and accurately determine whether a path has failed.