Packet Switching Device Connectivity Verification via Echo Packets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packet switching networks face challenges in verifying node-to-node connectivity and ensuring accurate data path processing within packet switching devices, which can lead to inefficiencies and errors in network operations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of echo request and reply connectivity test packets within packet switching devices to simulate and verify the data path processing, including ingress and egress processing, to ensure accurate forwarding and configuration of network paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If packet switching networks use traditional connectivity verification methods, then network operations can proceed, but connectivity verification accuracy and data path processing reliability deteriorate due to lack of comprehensive path testing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by injecting test packets into the data path before actual network operations to verify connectivity and processing accuracy. The system proactively sends test packets through the same ingress and egress paths as real traffic to detect potential issues before they affect actual network operations, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating test packets that replicate the behavior and structure of actual network packets. These test packets copy the essential characteristics of real traffic (headers, routing information, processing requirements) to verify data path processing accuracy without requiring complex test infrastructure, thus improving verification reliability while maintaining manageable device complexity
2Measurement precision
If packet switching devices perform comprehensive data path processing verification, then network performance and accuracy improve, but processing time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by performing connectivity verification continuously in the background using the same data path processing infrastructure. Test packets are injected and processed continuously alongside normal network operations, allowing the system to maintain high measurement precision without significant time loss, as verification occurs concurrently with rather than sequentially to actual network traffic
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing the test packet processing system to use the same ingress and egress processing paths as real network traffic. The data path processing infrastructure serves multiple functions: handling actual network packets and processing test packets for verification. This multi-functionality allows comprehensive accuracy measurement without duplicating processing resources or significantly increasing verification time
3Reliability
If packet switching networks implement automated connectivity testing, then network reliability improves, but device complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the packet switching device to perform its own connectivity verification using internally generated test packets. The device injects test packets through its own data path processing system and monitors the results, eliminating the need for external testing infrastructure. This self-service approach improves network reliability through automated testing while minimizing the increase in device complexity by utilizing existing processing resources
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies merging by combining the connectivity verification function with the existing data path processing infrastructure. Test packet injection, forwarding, and monitoring are integrated into the same ingress and egress processing paths that handle real network traffic. This merging approach improves reliability through automated testing while avoiding the complexity increase that would result from separate, dedicated testing systems
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, network node-to-node connectivity verification is performed in a network including data path processing of packets within a packet switching device. In one embodiment, an echo request connectivity test packet, emulating an echo request connectivity test packet received from a first connected network node, is inserted by the packet switching device prior in its data processing path prior to ingress processing performed for packets received from the first connected network node. A correspondingly received echo reply connectivity test packet is intercepted by the packet switching device during data path egress processing performed for packets to be forwarded to the first connected network node.