Method for verifying function of redundant standby packet forwarder
US7289434B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 5, 2002 |
| Grant date | Oct 30, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 15, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L41/06
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In one embodiment, an intermediate node includes one or more active forwarding planes and one or more redundant forwarding planes. The intermediate node may also include one or more active control planes and one or more redundant control planes. A test packet is generated, in some cases by a redundant control plane, and transferred to a redundant forwarding plane. The operational state of the redundant forwarding plane is verified, at least in part, by using operational software and hardware contained in the redundant forwarding plane to forward the test packet from the redundant forwarding plane to a target line card. The target line card loops the test packet back to the redundant forwarding plane as part of the verification process. In some cases, the redundant control plane processes the looped-back test packet.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.