Network Path Verification Using Self-Addressed Test Packets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional path-verification technologies in large MPLS networks consume significant resources and time as the number of test packets increases, leading to potential network slowdowns and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a self-addressed test packet that boomerangs from a source node to a target node and back, allowing the target node to send the packet back without processing, thereby reducing the burden on the target node and enhancing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional path-verification technologies send test packets from source to destination and back using control plane processing, then path functionality can be verified, but the destination device consumes significant time and resources processing test packets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the path verification function from the control plane and implements it in the data plane. Test packets are forwarded directly through the data plane without being redirected to the control plane for processing, separating the verification function from resource-intensive control plane operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The verification system uses self-addressed test packets that automatically return to the source device without requiring control plane intervention. The data plane itself performs the verification by forwarding packets along the path and back, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating dependency on control plane resources.
2Reliability
If the number of test packets increases to verify more network paths, then verification coverage improves, but network slowdowns and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous path verification by implementing the verification process in the data plane, allowing test packets to be processed concurrently with normal network traffic. This eliminates interruptions and maintains continuous network operation while performing verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs periodic path verification using self-addressed test packets that are sent at regular intervals through the data plane. This periodic action allows for continuous monitoring of network paths without requiring constant control plane intervention, maintaining verification coverage while minimizing time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed computer-implemented method for verifying the functionality of network paths may include (1) constructing, at a source node within a network, a test packet that uniquely identifies a network path whose functionality is unverified, (2) sending the test packet to a target node within the network via the network path in an attempt to verify the functionality of the network path, (3) receiving, back from the target node, the test packet sent to the target node via the network path, and then (4) verifying, at the source node, the functionality of the network path based at least in part on the test packet received back from the target node. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.