Shifting of network traffic using converged primary and secondary paths in a network device

Abstract

To achieve impact-less re-routing of traffic towards non best-paths in a network, two locator routes are originated for each network fabric: a primary locator and a secondary locator. In a steady state, the forwarding state on each router is created by recursion of endpoints identifiers through their originating location's primary locator-route. Secondary locator routes are not used in the steady state. At a desired point, a steering route is injected into the network device to redirect routing from the primary locator route to the secondary locator route. The secondary locator route has a different resultant port from the primary locator route to redirect incoming packets on a different network path.