Abstract: Exemplary methods for updating an application programming interface (API) that includes a first set of functions and a first set of data types, includes determining a new software version has been installed, wherein the new software version requires the API to include a second set of functions and a second set of data types. The methods include determining a set of common functions and a set of common data types, wherein the set of common functions includes functions that are common between the first set of functions and the second set of functions, and wherein the set of common data types includes data types that are common between the first set of data types and the second set of data types. The methods include sending the set of common functions and the set of common data types, and calling the API, causing the set of common functions to be performed.

Abstract: A method implementing dynamic next-hop routing at a network device is disclosed. The network device contains a routing information base (RIB) and a forwarding information base (FIB). The method starts with receiving a request to create a dynamic next-hop type using a next-hop schema. The dynamic next-hop type is for a prefix associated with an application. The next-hop schema includes a set of functions and a set of fields associated with the set of functions. The dynamic next-hop type is created using the next-hop schema at the RIB, where the set of fields associated with the set of functions of the dynamic next-hop type is processed. The created dynamic next-hop type is then downloaded to the FIB, where the set of functions of the dynamic next-hop type is processed. Afterward, an identifier associated with the dynamic next-hop type for the prefix associated with the application is returned.

Abstract: A method is implemented by a network device for a fast traffic recovery process for the virtual redundant router protocol (VRRP), where improved speed in a switchover from a master VRRP router to a backup VRRP router is obtained by synchronizing an address resolution protocol (ARP) cache between the master VRRP router and the backup VRRP router such that after the switchover the backup VRRP router functions as a new master VRRP router and does not need to relearn media access control (MAC) address to Internet Protocol (IP) mappings of hosts using the new master VRRP as a gateway. The process involves receiving an ARP entry on an interface of the network device and checking whether the network device is configured as the master VRRP router. The process then sends a gratuitous ARP message to the backup VRRP router in response to the network device being the master VRRP router.

Abstract: A method implementing dynamic next-hop routing at a network device is disclosed. The network device contains a routing information base (RIB) and a forwarding information base (FIB). The method starts with receiving a request to create a dynamic next-hop type using a next-hop schema. The dynamic next-hop type is for a prefix associated with an application. The next-hop schema includes a set of functions and a set of fields associated with the set of functions. The dynamic next-hop type is created using the next-hop schema at the RIB, where the set of fields associated with the set of functions of the dynamic next-hop type is processed. The created dynamic next-hop type is then downloaded to the FIB, where the set of functions of the dynamic next-hop type is processed. Afterward, an identifier associated with the dynamic next-hop type for the prefix associated with the application is returned.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for network congestion remediation utilizing loop free alternate load sharing within a network device are described. The network device monitors a plurality of egress output queues. Upon detecting congestion at one of the output queues that is a primary next hop for traffic matching an entry of a forwarding table, the network device causes some of the affected traffic to continue to utilize the congested output queue and some of the affected traffic to utilize a loop free alternate next hop via a different output queue at a different port. Upon detecting an end to the congestion, the network device sends all of the affected traffic using the primary next hop.