Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting, testing, and validating inactive paths or backup/protection paths of Label Switched Paths (LSPs) in a Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) network are provided. A method, according to one implementation, includes the step of identifying an active path defining a traffic route along which data packets are transmitted from an ingress node to an egress node via one or more intermediate nodes. The method also includes sending an echo request from the ingress node to the one or more intermediate nodes, wherein the echo request allows the one or more intermediate nodes to detect and validate one or more inactive paths. The one or more inactive paths are configured as one or more protection paths when an event is detected that impedes the transmission of the data packets along the active path.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting, testing, and validating inactive paths or backup/protection paths of Label Switched Paths (LSPs) in a Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) network are provided. A method, according to one implementation, includes the step of identifying an active path defining a traffic route along which data packets are transmitted from an ingress node to an egress node via one or more intermediate nodes. The method also includes sending an echo request from the ingress node to the one or more intermediate nodes, wherein the echo request allows the one or more intermediate nodes to detect and validate one or more inactive paths. The one or more inactive paths are configured as one or more protection paths when an event is detected that impedes the transmission of the data packets along the active path.