Multicast Tree Discovery via 802.1ag Linktrace
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Ethernet Connectivity Fault Management (CFM) Linktrace functionality is limited in tracing all branches of multicast traffic flow through a tree of network devices, only allowing for path discovery between two given devices rather than discovering all paths within a hierarchical tree of network devices for multicast traffic flows.
Innovation Solution
A network device employs tree tracer processing by forwarding data packets with multicast target MAC addresses to multiple network devices within a multicast group, generating and transmitting responses to indicate their placement within the hierarchical tree, and rendering a graphical representation of the tree structure based on these responses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If CFM Linktrace messages are used to trace paths between two given devices, then connectivity data between specific devices can be discovered, but all branches of multicast traffic flow through a tree of network devices cannot be traced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multicast tree discovery process into multiple CFM Linktrace messages, each targeting a different branch or segment of the multicast tree. By dividing the overall discovery task into manageable segments, the system can systematically trace all branches of the multicast traffic flow through the network tree structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enhances the universality of CFM Linktrace messages by enabling them to serve dual purposes: traditional unicast path tracing between two devices and multicast tree branch discovery. This multi-functionality allows a single protocol mechanism to address both specific device connectivity and comprehensive multicast traffic flow tracing.
2Reliability
If traditional CFM Linktrace is used for path discovery, then connectivity between two devices can be verified, but comprehensive fault isolation across the entire multicast network requires multiple separate operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring CFM Linktrace messages to target multiple branches of the multicast tree in advance. This allows the system to proactively discover and map the entire multicast tree structure before faults occur, enabling faster fault isolation when issues arise, as the baseline topology is already known.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where CFM Linktrace messages send responses back to the source device, providing information about which branches of the multicast tree are reachable and which are not. This feedback loop enables continuous monitoring and rapid fault isolation by comparing expected versus actual tree structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus provide for a network device(s) employing tree tracer processing of a data packet(s) and/or a response(s) in order to discover and graphically represent all the paths within a hierarchical tree of network devices for multicast traffic flows. Specifically, a first network device receives a data packet. The data packet provides a multicast target MAC address. The first network device forwards the data packet to a plurality of network devices, where each of the plurality of the network devices belong to a multicast group identified according to the multicast target MAC address. Based on receipt of the data packet, the first network device generates and transmits a first response to a source of the data packet. The first response indicates a placement of the first network device with respect to a hierarchical tree of the plurality of network devices belonging to the multicast group.