Loop back testing for multi-protocol hybrid networks
AssigneeLucent Technologies Inc.
InventorsDavid B. Smith, George Paul Wilkin
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A hybrid network (100) includes a plurality of network elements (102, 106, 110, 114) that are coupled together by communication links (116, 118, 120, 122, 124). The network elements operate on different communications protocols. A loop back test message traverses a path (140) across network elements to test the integrity and quality of the path. Each network element that receives the loop back message modifies the message in a predetermined manner. The originator of the message verifies that the message was modified in an appropriate manner and in an appropriate time frame to determine integrity and quality.
Claims23
A method for loop back testing in a hybrid network that includes a plurality of network elements coupled to each other via a plurality of communication links, where at least some of the plurality of network elements convert one network protocol to another network protocol, the method comprising the steps of:
- transmitting a loop back test message from a first network element of the plurality of network elements, wherein the loop back message is directed to traverse a plurality of network elements and return to the first network element;
- wherein each network element of the plurality of network elements that receives the loop back test message:
- adds a network identifier to the loop back test message to indicate that the each network element received the loop back test message;
- and
- adds a protocol attribute to the loop back test message, wherein the protocol attribute represents a function performed by the each network element.
A loop back testing enabled network element coupled to a communication link, wherein the communication link is adapted to connect to a hybrid network that includes a plurality of network elements coupled to each other via a plurality of communication links, where at least some of the plurality of network elements convert one network protocol to another network protocol, the loop back testing enabled network element comprising:
- means for transmitting a loop back test message, wherein the loop back message is directed to traverse a plurality of network elements and return to a first network element;
- wherein each network element of the plurality of network elements that receives the loop back test message:
- adds a network identifier to the loop back test message to indicate that the each network element received the loop back test message;
- and
- adds a protocol attribute to the loop back test message, wherein the protocol attribute represents a protocol conversion performed by the each network element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.