Performing a protocol, such as micro bidirectional forwarding detection, on member links of an aggregated link that uses an address of the aggregated link

A data forwarding device comprising:

• a) a plurality of interfaces of a plurality of member links defining an aggregated link;
• b) at least one processor;
• and
• c) a non-transitory storage device storing processor-executable instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform a method for performing a protocol on the member links of the aggregated link that uses an address of the aggregated link, the method including
• 1) checking a usability of the address;
• 2) responsive to a determination that the address is usable, running the protocol on the member links;
• 3) responsive to a determination that the aggregated link is DOWN, permitting the protocol to continue running on any of the member links that are UP;
• and
• 4) responsive to a determination that all of the member links of the aggregated link are DOWN,
• A) marking the address so that its usability needs to be rechecked, and
• B) discontinuing the protocol on the member links,
• and otherwise, responsive to a determination that not all of the member links of the aggregated link are DOWN, permitting the protocol to continue running on any member links that are UP.

A non-transitory storage device storing processor-executable instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor of a data forwarding device supporting an aggregated link including a plurality of member links, cause the at least one processor to perform a method for performing a protocol on the member links of the aggregated link that uses an address of the aggregated link, the method including

• a) checking a usability of the address;
• b) responsive to a determination that the address is usable, running the protocol on the member links;
• c) responsive to a determination that the aggregated link is DOWN, permitting the protocol to continue running on any of the member links that are UP;
• and
• d) responsive to a determination that all of the member links of the aggregated link are DOWN,
• 1) marking the address so that its usability needs to be rechecked, and
• 2) discontinuing the protocol on the member links,
• and otherwise, responsive to a determination that not all of the member links of the aggregated link are DOWN, permitting the protocol to continue running on any member links that are UP.