Isolation and monitoring mode for problematic data links

A computer program product to provide network stability by dampening an interface flapping rate between switches in a network environment, the computer program product comprising:

• a non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-readable program code embodied therewith, the computer-readable program code executable by one or more computer processors to perform an operation comprising:
• designating an interface of a first switch as being in an active mode in which forwarding activity of the interface is permitted, wherein the first switch is operatively connected to a second switch via the interface;
• determining that the interface exhibits flapping behavior satisfying one or more dampening criteria when in the active mode;
• sending, to the second switch, an indication that the interface is to be isolated;
• receiving, from the second switch, a reply to the indication that the interface is to be isolated;
• designating the interface as being in an isolated mode in which health monitoring of the interface is permitted but forwarding activity of the interface is prohibited;
• determining that the interface satisfies one or more reinstatement criteria when in the isolated mode;
• and
• redesignating the interface as being in the active mode.

An apparatus to provide network stability by dampening an interface flapping rate between switches in a network environment, the apparatus comprising:

• one or more computer processors;
• an interface operatively connecting the apparatus to a target switch;
• and
• logic operatively connected with the interface and operable by the one or more computer processors to perform an operation comprising:
• designating the interface as being in an active mode in which forwarding activity of the interface is permitted;
• determining that the interface exhibits flapping behavior satisfying one or more dampening criteria when in the active mode;
• sending, to the target switch, an indication that the interface is to be isolated;
• receiving, from the target switch, a reply to the indication that the interface is to be isolated;
• designating the interface as being in an isolated mode in which health monitoring of the interface is permitted but forwarding activity of the interface is prohibited;
• determining that the interface satisfies one or more reinstatement criteria when in the isolated mode;
• and
• redesignating the interface as being in the active mode.