Multicast tree discovery using 802.1ag

摘要

Methods and apparatus provide for a network device(s) employing tree tracer processing of a data packet(s) and/or a response(s) in order to discover and graphically represent all the paths within a hierarchical tree of network devices for multicast traffic flows. Specifically, a first network device receives a data packet. The data packet provides a multicast target MAC address. The first network device forwards the data packet to a plurality of network devices, where each of the plurality of the network devices belong to a multicast group identified according to the multicast target MAC address. Based on receipt of the data packet, the first network device generates and transmits a first response to a source of the data packet. The first response indicates a placement of the first network device with respect to a hierarchical tree of the plurality of network devices belonging to the multicast group.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
receiving a data packet at a first network device, the data packet providing a multicast target Media Access Control (MAC) address; forwarding the data packet to a second network device, the second network device belonging to a multicast group identified according to the multicast target MAC address; transmitting a first response to a source of the data packet, wherein the response indicates a placement of the first network device with respect to a hierarchical tree of network devices belonging to the multicast group; receiving a second response to the data packet at the first network device, the second response generated by the second network device, wherein the second response indicates a placement of the second network device with respect to the hierarchical tree of network devices belonging to the multicast group, wherein the first network device comprises a transit device located between a plurality network devices in the hierarchical tree of network devices belonging to the multicast group, wherein the transit device is orientated outside of the hierarchical tree of network devices belonging to the multicast group; and rendering a graphical representation of the hierarchical tree of the network devices including displaying a current placement of said first or second network device with respect to at least one hierarchical level.