Breaking loops in overlay networks using an IP transport header

摘要

In one embodiment, a device receives a payload encapsulated in an Internet Protocol (IP) transport header having a time-to-live (TTL) value, and decapsulates the payload while maintaining the TTL value. In response to determining that a destination of the payload is not attached to the device, the device may then re-encapsulate the payload in a new IP transport header with a new TTL value that is less than the maintained TTL value, and transmits the re-encapsulated payload toward the destination. In this manner, loops in overlay networks may be prevented based on eventual expiration of the TTL value of the IP transport header, accordingly.

主权项

1. A method, comprising:
receiving, at a device, a payload encapsulated in an Internet Protocol (IP) transport header having a time-to-live (TTL) value; decapsulating the payload and maintaining the TTL value; in response to determining that a destination of the payload is not attached to the device, re-encapsulating the payload in a new IP transport header with a new TTL value that is less than the maintained TTL value; and transmitting the re-encapsulated payload toward the destination, wherein the TTL value in the IP transport header is carried across the decapsulating and re-encapsulating, without having to propagate the TTL value to a field in an original header of the payload.