Method and network element to limit service disruption due to a failure on a layer 2 interface

摘要

A method in an active network element. The network element is coupled with a standby network element by an inter-chassis communication channel used to synchronize session state for sessions handled by the active network element from the active network element to the standby network element. The network element is deployed in a Layer 3 network that is used to transmit Layer 2 data. The method is one of limiting disruption in the handling of the sessions. The method includes monitoring a Layer 2 interface for failures and monitoring a Layer 3 interface for failures. A failure is detected on the Layer 2 interface. The network element communicates with the standby network element, over the inter-chassis communication channel, in response to detecting the failure on the Layer 2 interface, to have the standby network element at least assist with the handling of the sessions.

主权项

1. A method in an active network element that is coupled with a standby network element by an inter-chassis communication channel used to synchronize session state for sessions handled by the active network element from the active network element to the standby network element, and that is deployed in a Layer 3 network that is used to transmit Layer 2 data, the method one of limiting disruption in the handling of the sessions, the method comprising steps of:
monitoring a Layer 2 interface of the active network element for failures; monitoring a Layer 3 interface of the active network element for failures; detecting a failure on the Layer 2 interface; and communicating with the standby network element over the inter-chassis communication channel, in response to detecting the failure on the Layer 2 interface, to redirect traffic associated with the sessions received on the Layer 3 interface of the active network element to a Layer 2 interface of the standby network element, wherein the communicating includes: transmitting data, associated with the sessions and received on the Layer 3 interface of the active network element, over the inter-chassis communication channel to the standby network element to be transmitted out of the standby network element over the Layer 2 interface of the standby network element while avoiding the use of the Layer 2 interface of the active network element, receiving data from the Layer 2 interface of the standby network element over the inter-chassis communication channel, and transmitting the data received from the standby network element over the inter-chassis communication channel through the Layer 3 interface of the active network element.