Self-healing communications network

At least one computer-readable medium comprising computer program instructions for detecting unwanted loops in a communications network having host processors, nodes, and segments connecting the nodes, said instructions adapted to effectuate the following method steps:

• collecting and storing a set of steady state data regarding direction of network traffic flow through the nodes and segments for at least one network flow;
• comparing newly sampled flow with stored steady state data to detect flows whose paths contradict their steady state direction;
• and
• identifying a network loop when a segment carries such contradictory flows.

Apparatus for detecting unwanted loops in a communications network containing nodes and segments connecting the nodes, said apparatus comprising:

• means for collecting and storing a set of steady state data pertaining to direction of network traffic flow through the nodes and segments;
• coupled to the collecting and storing means, means for comparing newly sampled flows with stored steady state data to detect flows whose paths contradict their steady state direction;
• and
• coupled to the comparing means, means for detecting a network loop when a segment carries such contradictory flows.