Patent ID: 7706258
Filing Date: 2010-04-27
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A loop detection method operable in an Ethernet network, comprising: generating, by a provider edge (PE) entity disposed in a provider network, a test frame with at least one of a source address (SA) and destination address (DA) unknown to a customer network; broadcasting said test frame to said customer network coupled to said PE entity; determining if said test frame is received back by said PE entity after expiration of a first time period but within a second time period, and if so, deducing loop location within said network with an indication of congestion responsive to said determination; and determining whether at least one of said test frame and a duplicate of said test frame is received back on a port of said PE entity facing said provider network within which said PE entity is disposed, and if so, deducing that a loop is located that traverses said customer network and said provider network, wherein said determining includes determining whether at least one of said test frame and the duplicate of said test frame is received back on a port after expiration of a first time period but within a second time period.