Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer-readable media for detecting and removing unwanted loops in communications networks having host processors, nodes, and segments connecting the nodes are disclosed. In one embodiment, a set of steady state data regarding direction of a network traffic flow is collected and stored. Then, a newly sampled flow is compared with the stored steady state data to detect flows whose paths contradict their steady state direction, and a network loop is identified when a segment carries such contradictory flows.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses methods, apparati, and computer-readable media for detecting and removing unwanted loops in communications networks having host processors (10), nodes (16), and segments (14) connecting the nodes (16). A method embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of collecting and storing a set of steady state data regarding direction of network (1) traffic flow through the nodes (16) and segments (14) for at least one network flow; comparing newly sampled flow with stored steady state data to detect flows whose paths contradict their steady state direction; and identifying a network loop when a segment (14) carries such contradictory flows.