System and method for dynamic network - topology research

摘要

A system and method dynamically determines the topology of a source node routing network. A source node generates a ping frame, which includes a special code in the ping frame header to differentiate it from a data frame. The source node transmits the ping frame to a first router that is coupled to the source node. The first router routes the ping frame to an internal control frame handler. The control frame handler creates an echo frame that is transmitted back to the source node. The first router identifies the port from which the ping frame is received and places this information in the header of the echo frame along with an echo frame identifier. The body of the echo frame includes a first router identification code, identification of the port from which the ping frame is received, and connectivity information. The source node receives the echo frame and identifies routers and nodes to which a ping frame has not been sent based upon the connectivity information in the received echo frame. After selecting another node or router, the source node generates a second ping frame. The second ping frame is generated and operates in the same manner as the first ping frame. The source node continues generating and transmitting ping frames to all nodes and routers in the network. The source node identifies loops in the topology to avoid repetitive checking and identifies link and router failures.