Abstract: Techniques for mapping a topology of a chain of network service functions on a computer network are described. A request packet is sent to an ingress service function on the network. The request packet is encapsulated with a network service header, which identifies the packet as an OAM packet, and an OAM payload. Where the packet is received by a service function that is not an egress service function, the request packet is forwarded to the next service function hop in the chain. Where the packet is an egress service function, the request packet is returned to the discovery source. A service path is constructed based on the metadata in the OAM payload describing the identified the service functions. This technique can be applied to multiple connected chains to provide a complete mapping of the network topography.

Abstract: Techniques for mapping a topology of a chain of network service functions on a computer network are described. A request packet is sent to an ingress service function on the network. The request packet is encapsulated with a network service header, which identifies the packet as an OAM packet, and an OAM payload. Where the packet is received by a service function that is not an egress service function, the request packet is forwarded to the next service function hop in the chain. Where the packet is an egress service function, the request packet is returned to the discovery source. A service path is constructed based on the metadata in the OAM payload describing the identified the service functions. This technique can be applied to multiple connected chains to provide a complete mapping of the network topography.

Abstract: A network node configured to manage a planned network topology change in a communication network. The communication network may comprise a first network topology, which may be employed for sending multicast and/or broadcast data to a plurality of receivers in the communication network. The planned network topology change may be applied to the first network topology and may form a second network topology. The network node may determine when the forwarding of the multicast and/or broadcast data is switched from the first network topology to the second network topology and when the forwarding of the multicast and/or broadcast data is completed on the first network topology. Subsequently, the network node may discontinue the first network topology for forwarding the multicast and/or broadcast data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for network monitoring using a proxy are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method generally comprises receiving at a proxy, path information for a label switched path (LSP) from a forwarding device located in the LSP, generating a connectivity verification message based on the path information, adding a proxy label to the connectivity verification message, and transmitting the connectivity verification message to the forwarding device. The proxy label is configured to inject the connectivity verification message into a forwarding plane at the forwarding device and the connectivity verification message is configured for transmittal from the forwarding device over the LSP to a destination node to verify a forwarding path associated with the path information received from the forwarding device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for network monitoring using a proxy are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method generally comprises receiving at a proxy, path information for a label switched path (LSP) from a forwarding device located in the LSP, generating a connectivity verification message based on the path information, adding a proxy label to the connectivity verification message, and transmitting the connectivity verification message to the forwarding device. The proxy label is configured to inject the connectivity verification message into a forwarding plane at the forwarding device and the connectivity verification message is configured for transmittal from the forwarding device over the LSP to a destination node to verify a forwarding path associated with the path information received from the forwarding device.