Probing Forwarding Elements via Recirculation Routes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Detecting malfunctions in forwarding elements of network elements, such as routers and switches, is challenging due to complex interactions between multiple forwarding elements and the network fabric, as self-diagnosing mechanisms may not catch all malfunctions, especially in large and modular network setups.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that use probing packets with recirculation routes to target specific forwarding elements, where the absence of a returned probing packet indicates a malfunction, allowing for the identification of non-operational elements within the network element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If self-diagnosing mechanisms are used in network elements, then the network element can monitor its own status, but malfunctions in forwarding elements cannot be reliably detected due to complex interactions between multiple forwarding elements and network fabric
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external probing system as an intermediary to detect forwarding element malfunctions. The probing system sends test packets through the network fabric to specific forwarding elements and analyzes the responses, serving as a mediator between the monitoring function and the complex internal interactions of forwarding elements that self-diagnosis cannot penetrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the detection function from the network element itself and places it in an external probing system. By separating the monitoring function from the monitored system, the patent can observe forwarding element behavior without being constrained by the internal complexity and interaction dynamics that prevent reliable self-detection.
2Measurement precision
If probing packets are sent to individual forwarding elements, then specific forwarding elements can be tested, but the complex interactions between multiple forwarding elements cannot be observed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the probing packet system to be multi-functional: it can probe individual forwarding elements for precise status detection, and simultaneously probe multiple forwarding elements in sequence to observe their interactions. The same probing infrastructure adapts to different detection scenarios by modifying the packet recirculation route configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the probing system dynamic by allowing the recirculation route to be configurable and changeable. The system can adaptively adjust which forwarding elements are included in the probe path based on the desired detection scenario, enabling both individual element testing and interaction observation using the same infrastructure.
3Reliability
If multiple forwarding elements are probed simultaneously, then interaction malfunctions can be detected, but the complexity of analyzing which specific element is faulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fault detection process into controlled stages by using configurable recirculation routes. Instead of probing all forwarding elements simultaneously in a complex mesh, the system divides the probe path into sequential segments, allowing systematic isolation and identification of the faulty element while still observing interactions between multiple elements in the probe chain.
Data Source
AI summary
In general, the invention relates to a method and system for probing forwarding elements of network elements.