Network Fabric Stress Test via Bidirectional Path Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing network device connections in cluster networks are limited, as they only test a subset of network devices and communication paths, and do not ensure bi-directional functionality, which is crucial for maintaining network integrity.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves identifying the network topology, developing a test procedure to send a test data stream through each communication path in both directions, and configuring network devices to perform the test, ensuring comprehensive bi-directional line rate traffic testing of all communication paths and network devices simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If host computing devices generate test packets and send them to other hosts, then testing can be performed, but only a few network devices and communication paths are tested
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes network devices themselves perform testing functions by configuring them to receive, generate, and forward test data streams. This transforms network devices from passive infrastructure to active testing participants, enabling comprehensive coverage of all communication paths without requiring multiple host computing devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple testing operations into a single coordinated test procedure where one network device sends test data streams that traverse multiple communication paths and network devices simultaneously. This merging approach tests all network devices and communication paths in the cluster at the same time, maximizing testing coverage and efficiency.
2Productivity
If multicasting or broadcasting is used to test communication paths, then more network devices can be tested, but bi-directional functionality cannot be tested
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements bidirectional testing by having network devices not only receive and forward test data streams but also generate and send test data streams back through the network paths. This inversion of the unidirectional multicast/broadcast approach enables verification of communication functionality in both directions across all network devices and paths.
3Reliability
If traditional stress testing is performed, then line rate data traffic can be sent, but communication paths are tested multiple times in the same direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the test procedure based on network topology and constraints to ensure each communication path is tested exactly once in each direction. The system configures network devices to intelligently route test data streams through different paths, avoiding redundant testing and optimizing the overall testing duration while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of testing network device connectivity in a network by a host computing device includes identifying a topology of the network, where the network includes a plurality of communication paths connecting a plurality of network devices. The method further includes developing a test procedure based on the topology and a plurality of constraints, where a first constraint in the plurality of constraints includes sending a test data stream through each communication path in the plurality of communications paths only once in each direction. The method further includes configuring the plurality of network devices to perform the test procedure, initiating the test procedure, where initiating includes sending the test data stream from the host computing device to a first network device in the plurality of network devices, and monitoring the progress of the test procedure.