Abstract: Separating and isolating multiple network stacks in a network element may enable a network element to simultaneously operate within multiple forwarding planes respectively corresponding to the multiple network stacks. In addition to the network stack, other protocols and routing tools may also be instantiated for each desired forwarding plane. The different instantiations of the network stacks may be executed in parallel in respective memory spaces that are distinct and separate. In this manner, each forwarding plane may operate independently on the network element from other forwarding planes.

Abstract: In a system having multiple internal Internet protocol (IP) stacks, such as a network element, a value of a time-to-live (TTL) parameter may not be changed by an ingress IP stack. An indication of internal forwarding within the system may be used. An egress IP stack may decrement the value of the TTL parameter. A public network address for the system may be used for response packets to diagnostic packets received by the system.

Abstract: Separating and isolating multiple network stacks in a network element may enable a network element to simultaneously operate within multiple forwarding planes respectively corresponding to the multiple network stacks. In addition to the network stack, other protocols and routing tools may also be instantiated for each desired forwarding plane. The different instantiations of the network stacks may be executed in parallel in respective memory spaces that are distinct and separate. In this manner, each forwarding plane may operate independently on the network element from other forwarding planes.

Abstract: In a system having multiple internal Internet protocol (IP) stacks, such as a network element, a value of a time-to-live (TTL) parameter may not be changed by an ingress IP stack. An indication of internal forwarding within the system may be used. An egress IP stack may decrement the value of the TTL parameter. A public network address for the system may be used for response packets to diagnostic packets received by the system.

Abstract: A method may include updating a routing table on a first network element based on a shortest path first calculation in response to a network change event. For each deletion from the routing table, a message may be broadcasted to a second network element adjacent to the first network element indicative of such deletion, the message including a target identifier (TID) associated with such deleted entry, wherein the second network element is configured to invalidate its associated TID address resolution protocol (TARP) cache in response to receiving the message. For each deletion from the routing table, a local TARP cache of the first network element may be searched to determine if an entry exists in the local TARP cache mapping the TID associated with such entry to a NASP associated with such entry. The local TARP cache may be invalidated in response to determining that the entry exists.