Future Wei Technologies, Inc.

Cisco Technology, Inc.

Sam K Aldrin

Thomas David Nadeau

Young Lee

Jie Dong

Ming Li

Xiaoyong Yi

Mingui Zhang

Charles E Perkins

John Monaghan

Mohammed Azhar Sayeed

Weiqian Dai

Azhar Mohammed Sayeed

Raymond Z L Ye

David Richard Melton

Techniques for mapping a topology of a chain of network service functions on a computer network are described. A request packet is sent to an ingress service function on the network. The request packet is encapsulated with a network service header, which identifies the packet as an OAM packet, and an OAM payload. Where the packet is received by a service function that is not an egress service function, the request packet is forwarded to the next service function hop in the chain. Where the packet is an egress service function, the request packet is returned to the discovery source. A service path is constructed based on the metadata in the OAM payload describing the identified the service functions. This technique can be applied to multiple connected chains to provide a complete mapping of the network topography.

Methodology and apparatus for topology discovery and mapping of chained network services

A method implemented in a network element, the method comprising identifying a first service function (SF) for validation, the first SF being associated with a service function chain (SFC), being applied to a data flow, and operating on a first network node, encoding one or more tests associated with the first SF in an operations, administration, and management (OAM) packet, and transmitting a validation request comprising the OAM packet towards the first SF to request validation of the first SF by execution of the tests.

Validation of chained network services

System and method of ad hoc on-demand routing by virtue of central control. A central controller of a network can communicate directly with a route-requesting network device regarding discovery of a data transmission path and perform route computation. A source network device may query the central controller with a unicast route request. In response, the central controller can identify a feasible route based on the topology information of the network. The central controller may also receive a broadcast route request along with other network nodes. As a result, the source device can be offered to select from two resultant routes, one provided by the central controller in a centralized manner and the other provided by the destination device. Further, the central controller can be used specifically for computation of constrained routes by incorporating global constraints. The central controller may be a software defined network (SDN) controller.

Ad-hoc on-demand routing through central control

In an embodiment, the disclosure includes an apparatus comprising a data store which comprises cost data associated with use of a path in a communications network. The data store also comprises power consumption data associated with the use of the path. The apparatus further comprises at least one processor configured to determine a score for the path based on the cost data and the power consumption data. The disclosure also includes an apparatus comprising a path computation element (PCE) configured to receive data from a plurality of network elements (NEs). The data comprises cost and power consumption data for establishing a path between a plurality of the NEs. The PCE is configured to determine a score for the path based on the cost and power consumption data.

Greening the network with the power consumption statuses of network components

A method in a network device with a processor that runs multiple software threads for software that needs an update for updating the software while mitigating service disruption, the method comprising installing at least one new function, modifying at least one existing function to point to a synchronization code, wherein the synchronization code indicates whether the multiple software threads use the at least one new function or the at least one existing function, synchronizing software threads in the network device, based on the synchronization code indicating that the synchronization of the software threads is not complete, using, by the multiple software threads, the at least one existing function, and based on the synchronization code indicating that the synchronization of the software threads is complete, using, by the multiple software threads, the at least one new function, wherein the multiple software threads continually run on the network device during the synchronization.

In-service software patch

In one embodiment, which may be implemented in either IP networks or MPLS networks, a tree of the network may be constructed at a source network device by sending only a single packet. The remaining network devices in the network replicate the packet so that a copy will reach each of the egress nodes. Along the way, identity information from each node or hop will be added to the replicated packets. As the egress nodes receive the packets, the egress nodes will each send a reply packet to the source network device. The reply packet includes a list of every hop on the path. The source network device is configured to construct a tree of the network based on the reply packets.

In-band multicast trace in IP and MPLS networks

A method of diagnosing a fault in a network path comprises the steps, performed at a diagnosing node, of initiating a path discovery test. The diagnosing node receives at least one path discovery test response and identifies the diagnosable node on the network path from a path discovery test response. The diagnosing node remotely accesses said diagnosable node and performs a diagnostic routine at said diagnosable node.

Method and apparatus for diagnosing a fault in a network path

A system identifies a plurality of probes used for verifying network operation, and classifies the plurality of probes into probe groups, according to at least one parameter associated with the network operation. The system schedules operation of the probe group in accordance with a classification associated with each probe group, and operates the probe group to verify network operation.

Methods and apparatus for scheduling network probes

A method and apparatus for network monitoring using a proxy are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method generally comprises receiving at a proxy, path information for a label switched path (LSP) from a forwarding device located in the LSP, generating a connectivity verification message based on the path information, adding a proxy label to the connectivity verification message, and transmitting the connectivity verification message to the forwarding device. The proxy label is configured to inject the connectivity verification message into a forwarding plane at the forwarding device and the connectivity verification message is configured for transmittal from the forwarding device over the LSP to a destination node to verify a forwarding path associated with the path information received from the forwarding device.

Growing community of inventors

Santa Clarita, CA, United States of America

Sam K Aldrin