Qualcomm Incorporated

David T Clapp

Todd Robert Sutton

Juan Faus

Jan Krzys Wegrzyn

Houtan Dehesh

Roy G Moss

A loopback processing method includes detecting a loopback at a first entity in a wide area network. The detection is accomplished by recognizing that a 'memorized' frame has returned on the same communications interface within a given period of time. The time interval between sending the frame and detecting it returning at the same port may be recorded and sent to an operator to provide information on the relative location of the loopback in the network. A loopback detect sequence is sent from the first entity to a second entity on the communications interface in loopback. Because of the loopback, both entities receive the loopback detect sequence.

Loopback processing method and apparatus

A loopback processing method includes detecting a loopback at a first entity in a wide area network. The detection is accomplished by recognizing that a &ldquo;memorized&rdquo; frame has returned on the same communications interface within a given period of time. The time interval between sending the frame and detecting it returning at the same port may be recorded and sent to an operator to provide information on the relative location of the loopback in the network. A loopback detect sequence is sent from the first entity to a second entity on the communications interface in loopback. Because of the loopback, both entities receive the loopback detect sequence. Either or both entities may inform a network operator of the loopback. The first entity has stopped using the link in loopback for real data, instead sending the loopback detect sequence. The second entity, upon detecting the loopback detect sequence, also stops using the link for real data. When the first entity stops detecting the loopback detect sequence returning on the link, the first entity stops sending the loopback detect sequence and begins using the link for real data again. When the second entity stops receiving the loopback detect sequence on the link, the second entity begins using the link for real data again. Either or both entities may inform a network operator that the loopback is gone.

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Borrego Springs, CA, United States of America

David T Clapp