Network Relay Loop Test Method for Margin Failure Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test methods for network relay apparatuses struggle to create a state where data transfer reaches performance limits within the apparatus, making it difficult to test for margin failures due to high transfer speeds and dedicated hardware configurations.
Innovation Solution
A test method that sets a transfer path in a loop shape within the network relay apparatus, inhibits TTL value decrements, and circulates a predetermined number of data packets to simulate a performance limit, allowing for the inspection of data transfer capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If test packets are transmitted using CPU at standard transmission speed, then transmission accuracy is maintained, but data transfer amount cannot reach performance limit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-setting the transmission speed of the packet transmitter to a value higher than the CPU's processing speed. This allows the system to accumulate a large number of test packets in the transfer path before the CPU processes them, thereby achieving the performance limit state without requiring the CPU to operate at excessive speeds during actual transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the transmission speed adjustable and independent from CPU speed. The packet transmitter can be configured to operate at different speeds, allowing the system to dynamically create states where the data transfer amount reaches performance limits while the CPU processes packets at its standard processing rate, thus resolving the contradiction between quantity and speed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If test processing program is added to semiconductor devices, then test functionality is provided, but packet transmission and reception performance is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the test processing program from the main packet transmission and reception functions. The test program is installed in a specific semiconductor device (third semiconductor device) that is dedicated to test operations, while the first and second semiconductor devices maintain their primary packet transmission and reception functions. This segmentation allows test functionality to be added without deteriorating the performance of packet transmission and reception.
3Quantity of substance
If transfer path is set in loop shape with inhibited TTL decrement, then large number of packets can be circulated, but TTL value management becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the taking out principle by extracting the TTL decrement function from the normal packet forwarding path. A specific circuit unit on the loop transfer path is configured to inhibit TTL value decrement for test packets, while other circuit units maintain normal TTL processing. This extraction allows packets to be circulated extensively in the loop without TTL exhaustion, enabling large numbers of packets to be tested without complex global TTL management mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A transfer path in a router is set in a loop shape by a test processing unit. In a NP chip (network processor), decrement of a TTL value is inhibited by a test processing unit, and a routing table is set such that data are transmitted in order along the transfer path of the loop shape. Consequently, the test processing unit circulates a predetermined number of data on the transfer path of the loop shape, and inspects the data circulated.