Multi-path Fault Detection via Segmented VNF Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fault detection methods in network devices are inaccurate due to the possibility of a detection packet being returned through a non-faulty path, even if one of the paths is faulty, leading to incorrect determination of network device health.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that instructs a detected device to configure a detected path and a return path, using a virtualized network function (VNF) or an accelerator, ensuring that the detection packet is accurately returned to the detection device, thereby improving fault detection accuracy by avoiding interference from existing entries in the forwarding table.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a detection packet is sent through a network device with multiple paths, then the detection device can receive the returned packet, but the detection accuracy deteriorates because the packet may be returned through a non-faulty path even if one path is faulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process by creating separate detected path and return path configurations. The detection packet is forced to traverse a specific detected path through the target unit (VNF or accelerator) and return through a designated return path, isolating the fault detection to specific path segments rather than allowing arbitrary path selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a detection entry as an intermediary mechanism in the forwarding table that mediates the packet routing. This detection entry acts as a special rule that overrides normal forwarding behavior for detection packets, ensuring they follow the configured detected path and return path rather than being routed through potentially faulty alternative paths.
2Ease of operation
If the detection packet is routed through existing forwarding table entries, then normal packet forwarding is maintained, but fault detection accuracy deteriorates due to interference from existing entries that may redirect the packet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by configuring a detection entry in the forwarding table before the actual fault detection occurs. This detection entry is pre-configured with specific matching criteria that will only match detection packets, ensuring that when fault detection is performed, the packet will be routed through the designated paths without interference from other forwarding rules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making the detection entry specific to detection packets only, rather than affecting all packet forwarding. The detection entry has localized scope - it only applies to packets matching its specific criteria (such as specific source/destination addresses or packet types), leaving normal packet forwarding operations unaffected by other forwarding table entries.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for implementing fault detection includes: instructing, by a detection device, a detected device to configure a detected path and a return path, where the detected path is a path from a first physical port of the detected device to a second physical port of the detected device via a target unit of the detected device, the return path is a path from the second physical port to the detection device, and the target unit is a VNF or an accelerator; sending a detection packet to the detected device through the first physical port; and when receiving the detection packet transmitted through the detected path and the return path, determining that the detected path is not faulty. According to the method, it can be further determined that the path that passes through the VNF or the accelerator is not faulty.