Patent ID: 8605588
Filing Date: 2013-12-10
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: determining, using a network node, that a first packet has been dropped for a flow of packets between a source and a destination, the network node being in a path between the source and the destination and configured to forward packets for the flow between the source and the destination; determining, using the network node, a first context information related to a first possible cause of the first packet being dropped after the packet is dropped, wherein the first context information comprises a packet drop reason for a first possible cause of the first packet drop, and information for a time when the first packet was dropped; determining identification information for the flow that is associated with the first packet, wherein the identification information identifies the flow; generating an entry for the first packet drop, the entry including the first context information, the identification information for the flow and a running count associated with the identification information; sending the entry, using the network node, to a network device that is configured to analyze, based on the context information and identification information included in the entry, one or more actual causes for the first packet drop for the flow identified by the identification information in the entry; determining a packet drop count that is associated with the flow and the packet drop reason; and incrementing the packet drop count.