Patent ID: 7765306
Filing Date: 2010-07-27
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for enabling bidirectional forwarding detection (BFD) between first and second edge devices in a computer network, wherein the second edge device is not configured for BFD, the method comprising: establishing a BFD Echo session from the first edge device to the first edge device via the second edge device along a monitored path; establishing an external border gateway protocol (eBGP) session between the first and second edge devices over an alternate path; sending one or more BFD Echo messages from the first edge device to the second edge device over the monitored path; determining that the monitored path is down upon not receiving a returned BFD Echo message at the first edge device from the second edge device; and, in response, notifying the second edge device that the monitored path is down through the eBGP session over the alternate path.