Proxy Node Probing for Remote Virtual Interface Status
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional probing technologies are unable to determine the status of remote virtual interfaces that are partitioned on physical interfaces, which hinders the redirection of network traffic when these interfaces become inactive.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a proxy node that receives an echo request, identifies the type of probe, and uses a virtual function index to probe the status of a virtual interface on a remote physical interface, sending an echo reply to determine the status, thereby facilitating traffic redirection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional probing technologies are used to monitor physical interfaces, then the status of physical interfaces can be determined, but the status of virtual interfaces partitioned on remote physical interfaces cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (proxy node or local interface) that mediates between the probing node and the remote virtual interface. The proxy node receives echo requests, extracts virtual interface identifiers, and forwards probes to the appropriate remote physical interface, enabling indirect status detection of virtual interfaces that conventional direct probing cannot achieve
Solution Approach 2:
The probing function is segmented into multiple components: the probing node generates echo requests, the proxy node processes and forwards requests, and the remote physical interface responds. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in specific tasks, with the proxy node handling the complexity of virtual interface identification and routing
2Adaptability or versatility
If physical interfaces are logically partitioned into multiple virtual interfaces, then network functionality is enhanced, but conventional probing technologies become unable to determine the status of these virtual interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by embedding virtual interface identifiers (such as VLAN tags or interface indices) within echo request packets before transmission. The proxy node is pre-configured with mapping information that allows it to extract these identifiers and route probes to the correct remote physical interfaces, enabling status detection without requiring changes to the virtual interface architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the probing mechanism by changing the parameters of echo requests to include virtual interface identification information. Instead of using standard ICMP echo requests, the system uses extended echo requests that carry additional parameters (virtual interface identifiers) that enable differentiation and status monitoring of multiple virtual interfaces on the same physical interface
3Reliability
If proxy nodes are introduced to probe virtual interface statuses, then unreachable virtual interface statuses can be determined, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy node is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a standard network node and as a probing intermediary. It can perform regular network operations while simultaneously handling echo request processing, virtual interface identifier extraction, and probe forwarding, reducing the need for separate dedicated probing infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by having the proxy node automatically extract virtual interface identifiers from echo requests and route probes without manual intervention. The probing mechanism is self-configuring, where the proxy node learns interface mappings through standard network protocols and automatically adapts to changes in the network topology
Data Source
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AI summary
A disclosed method may include (1) receiving, at a proxy node within a network, an echo request from a probing node within the network, (2) identifying, within the echo request, a type of probe to be performed in connection with the echo request, (3) determining, based at least in part on the type of probe identified within the echo request, that a proxy interface included on the proxy node is to probe a status of a virtual interface partitioned on a physical interface, (4) probing, via the proxy interface, the status of the virtual interface partitioned on the physical interface by way of a virtual function index assigned to the virtual interface, and then (5) sending, to the probing node, an echo reply that identifies the status of the virtual interface partitioned on the physical interface. Various other apparatuses, systems, and methods are also disclosed.