Network path performance measurements by utilizing multi-layer tunneling techniques

Abstract

Techniques for making network path performance measurements by utilizing multi-layer tunneling are described. In a distributed environment that includes one or more nodes configured to inject network traffic (compute nodes) and one or more nodes that are not configured to inject network traffic (router nodes), techniques are disclosed that allow for the measurement of performance metrics across network segments that include at least one router node. In certain implementations, with one or more router nodes configured with a tunnel termination endpoint and/or a locally-relevant label-to-port mapping, performance metrics between router nodes or between router nodes and compute nodes can be measured. Performance metrics that may be measured using the techniques disclosed herein include network latency, packet loss, and jitter. In addition, the techniques may be used for fault isolation.