Patent ID: 7983173
Filing Date: 2011-07-19
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. In a network entity configured to be disposed within a computer network and to be connected by a point-to-point link to a second network entity, a method for detecting failures in the point-to-point link, the method comprising: exchanging signals with the second network entity, wherein the signals are utilized to auto-negotiate that the network entity and the second network entity both support failure detection processes and, in response thereto, to enable failure detection by the failure detection processes at the two network entities, the exchanging to include transmitting to the second network entity a continuous stream of network messages on the point-to-point link; receiving from the second network entity a continuous stream of network messages on the point-to-point link; detecting an interruption in the continuous stream of network messages being received on the point-to-point link from the second network entity; and in response to detecting the interruption, declaring the point-to-point link failed.