Patent ID: 9100299
Filing Date: 2015-08-04
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method, comprising: generating, by a first network device, test traffic, wherein the first network device is coupled to a second network device via a plurality of communication links and wherein at least one of the plurality of links is a backup link that is not configured to carry customer traffic when other ones of the plurality of communication links are active; transmitting, by the first network device, the test traffic to the second network device at periodic intervals via the backup link to determine whether the backup link is operating in conformance with performance parameters associated with routing customer traffic; receiving, by the second network device, the test traffic; monitoring the received test traffic; comparing the monitored test traffic to at least one performance parameter associated with routing customer traffic; determining whether the monitored test traffic meets the at least one performance parameter; generating an alarm or notification message, in response to determining that the monitored test traffic does not meet the at least one performance parameter; and transmitting the alarm or notification message to a monitoring device located externally with respect to the first and second network devices.