Importance

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Abstract

Methods and systems for determining link failure in a network are provided. According to one embodiment, multiple paths are provided between each pair of multi-path load balancing (MPLB) components within a Layer 2 network by establishing overlapping loop-free topologies in which each MPLB component is reachable by any other via each loop-free topology. A first MPLB component sends latency requests to a second MPLB component via a particular path. Responsive thereto, the first MPLB component receives latency responses. Based on timestamp information in the latency responses, an estimated latency between the first and second MPLB components is determined. A link failure timeout period is derived based upon the estimated latency. An additional latency request is sent. If an additional latency response is not received by the first MPLB component prior to expiration of the link failure timeout period, then it is concluded that a link failure has occurred.

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First Claim