VXLAN Packet Loss Location via Simulation Packets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for locating packet loss in Virtual Extensible Local Area Networks (VXLAN) are inefficient, as they require extensive network diagnostics and lack a systematic approach to identify packet loss quickly and accurately, leading to increased workload and diagnostic complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the creation of simulation packets with the same characteristics as service packets, which are encapsulated and forwarded through VXLAN tunnels to simulate the service forwarding path, allowing for the determination of packet loss location by analyzing parameters sent by middle devices, thereby simplifying the identification of packet loss devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional network diagnostic methods are used to locate packet loss, then packet loss can be identified, but the diagnostic workload is heavy and the process is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates simulation packets that copy the characteristics of service packets (same source/destination IP addresses, ports, and protocol types) to traverse the same network path. This allows the diagnostic system to replicate service packet behavior without requiring actual service traffic, simplifying the diagnostic process while maintaining accuracy in locating packet loss points.
2Measurement precision
If extensive network diagnostics are performed to locate packet loss, then accurate identification is achieved, but the diagnostic time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring simulation packets with all necessary service packet characteristics before actual diagnostics begin. The simulation packets are prepared in advance with matching source/destination addresses, ports, and protocols, allowing the diagnostic process to start immediately without extensive setup time, thus reducing overall diagnostic time while maintaining accuracy.
3Productivity
If simulation packets are used to simulate service forwarding paths, then packet loss location can be determined rapidly, but additional network traffic is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by sending simulation packets only when packet loss is detected or suspected, rather than continuously monitoring all traffic. The simulation packets replicate only the essential characteristics needed for path traversal (source/destination IPs, ports, protocols) without copying entire service packet contents, generating minimal additional traffic while enabling rapid packet loss location when needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
A first VXLAN Tunnel End Point (VTEP) determines a simulation packet for simulating a service forwarding path of a service packet forwarded from a first Virtual Machine (VM) accessing the first VTEP to a second VM accessing a second VTEP when the service packet sent by the first VM does not reach the second VM. A packet character parameter of the simulation packet is the same as a packet character parameter of the service packet. The first VTEP calculates the packet character parameter of the simulation packet to determine a User Datagram Protocol (UDP) source port number, performs VXLAN encapsulation for the simulation packet according to the determined UDP source port number and a VXLAN tunnel identity in a local register entry matching with the simulation packet, and forwards the simulation packet with the VXLAN encapsulation via a VXLAN tunnel corresponding to the VXLAN tunnel identity.