Network Fault Analysis in Overlay Tunnels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to effectively perform fault analysis in overlay networks when network faults occur in the underlying underlay network, due to limitations in query packet transmission and multicast protocol support within the underlay network.
Innovation Solution
The system identifies network tunnels and segments within the network path, using multicast route entries to determine the presence of network tunnels and tracing unicast paths to collect connectivity information from both within and outside the tunnel, combining data packets to identify faults in the underlay network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If query packets are transmitted through network tunnels to perform fault analysis, then fault detection capability is improved, but the underlay network cannot support multicast protocols causing query packets to fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using unicast path tracing as a mediator between the multicast-based fault analysis requirement and the unicast-only underlay network. The system traces unicast paths from the tunnel originator to the tunnel terminator and combines this information with multicast connectivity data, enabling fault analysis without requiring multicast support in the underlay network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the fault analysis process into two independent parts: (1) multicast connectivity determination from receiver to tunnel originator, and (2) unicast path tracing from tunnel originator to tunnel terminator. This segmentation allows each part to use the appropriate protocol (multicast where supported, unicast in underlay network) and combines the results to achieve complete fault analysis capability.
2Reliability
If network tunnels are used for secure data transmission, then security is improved, but fault analysis in the underlay network becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by establishing network tunnels for secure data transmission while simultaneously preparing fault analysis capabilities. The system pre-configures the ability to trace unicast paths through the tunnel and combines this with multicast connectivity information, so that when faults occur, both security is maintained and fault analysis can proceed using the pre-established tracing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by collecting connectivity information from both multicast and unicast tracing operations and combining these feedback signals to diagnose underlay network faults. The system uses the combined information from both tracing methods to provide comprehensive feedback about network health while maintaining tunnel security.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates a system and a method of identifying network faults residing in an underlay network. A network device initiating fault analysis sends a query message through a tunnel interface present in an overlay network configured over an underlay network. While an upstream interface is a network tunnel having a first end and a second end, a unicast path from the first end to the second end of the network tunnel is traced using a network route analysis function. Reachability of a destination device present on the second end of the network tunnel is identified. An output of the network route analysis function is appended with an output of a multicast network connectivity determining function to produce an appended result that is shared with the network device initiating fault analysis.