Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system for managing a broken link in a network with a Clos topology. During operation, the system detects, at a first node in the network, a broken link between the first node and a second node in the network. Next, the system identifies one or more upstream nodes in the network that can make routing decisions to avoid the broken link. The system then transmits a first indication of the broken link to the upstream node(s) without propagating the first indication to remaining nodes in the network. Finally, the system updates, based on the first indication, routing information at the upstream node(s) to avoid the broken link.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system for performing flow routing in a network. The system may include one or more nodes in the network. Each of the nodes may obtain a dynamic rule that includes a flow definition and a routing action specifying an ECMP group in the network. When a flow in the network matches the flow definition, the node routes traffic in the flow to the ECMP group based on the routing action. The node then performs subsequent routing of the network traffic in the flow to reflect changes in membership in the ECMP group.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system for propagating network configuration policies using a publish-subscribe messaging system. During operation, the system receives, through the publish-subscribe messaging system, one or more messages containing a first representation of a configuration policy from a policy server. Next, the system uses a data model to convert the first representation into a second representation of the configuration policy. The system then uses the second representation to apply the configuration policy during processing of network traffic.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system that automatically detects a role of a node in a network with a layered topology. During operation, the system uses a local shortest path tree (SPT) for a node in a network with a layered topology to identify one or more additional nodes in the network that are farthest from the node. Next, the system compares the local SPT with a remote SPT for the one or more additional nodes to identify a position of the node in the layered topology. The system then outputs the position of the node for use in configuring the operation of the node in the network.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system for discovering address mobility events. Upon detecting a loss of data over a connection with a service at an Internet Protocol (IP) address, the system invalidates a domain name system (DNS) cache on the computer system without waiting for the connection to fail. Next, the system obtains, in response to the invalidated DNS cache, an updated DNS record for the service. The system then uses a new IP address in the updated DNS record to establish a new connection with the service.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system that performs domain name resolution. During operation, the system uses one or more attributes of a Domain Name System (DNS) query to identify a membership of the DNS query in a grouping of related DNS queries. Next, the system obtains a set of DNS records for resolving the related DNS queries. The system then expedites resolution of subsequent DNS queries in the grouping by transmitting the set of DNS records in a response to the DNS query.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system for propagating network configuration policies using a publish-subscribe messaging system. During operation, the system receives, through the publish-subscribe messaging system, one or more messages containing a first representation of a configuration policy from a policy server. Next, the system uses a data model to convert the first representation into a second representation of the configuration policy. The system then uses the second representation to apply the configuration policy during processing of network traffic.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system that automatically detects a role of a node in a network with a layered topology. During operation, the system uses a local shortest path tree (SPT) for a node in a network with a layered topology to identify one or more additional nodes in the network that are farthest from the node. Next, the system compares the local SPT with a remote SPT for the one or more additional nodes to identify a position of the node in the layered topology. The system then outputs the position of the node for use in configuring the operation of the node in the network.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system for performing network routing using a publish-subscribe messaging system. During operation, a node in the system detects a first change in reachability within the network. Next, the node generates a first message comprising the first change for receipt by other nodes in the network through a publish-subscribe messaging system. The node then transmits the first message to the publish-subscribe messaging system. Another node receives the first message, updates a routing database at the other node to reflect the first change, and uses the updated routing database to process network traffic.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system for performing sub-second network telemetry using a publish-subscribe messaging system. During operation, the system obtains, through the publish-subscribe messaging system, a stream of messages from a set of nodes connected by a set of links in a network. Next, the system analyzes network telemetry data associated with the nodes from the stream of messages. The system then outputs a telemetry result for the network based on the analyzed network telemetry data.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system for transmitting a link state message in a network. During operation, the system obtains a network topology for the network. Next, the system uses the network topology to identify a reflood set of neighbors of the flooding node for reaching a set of two-hop neighbors of the flooding node. The system then transmits a link state message with an indication to reflood the link state message to the reflood set of neighbors. Finally, the system transmits the link state message without the indication to reflood to remaining neighbors of the flooding node that form a non-reflood set.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system that performs load-based compression of a forwarding table for a node in a network. During operation, the system obtains link utilizations for a set of physical links connected to the node. Next, the system uses the link utilizations to update a set of entries in a forwarding table of the node for use in balancing load across the set of physical links. The system then uses the set of entries to process network traffic at the node.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system that automatically detects a potential microloop condition associated with network convergence. During operation, the system obtains a topology for a network containing a set of nodes connected by a set of links. Next, the system uses the topology to detect a ring containing at least four hops in the network. The system then outputs an indication of a potential microloop condition associated with one or more nodes on the ring to improve improve routing of network traffic by the one or more nodes.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system for transmitting a link state message in a network. During operation, the system obtains a network topology for the network. Next, the system uses the network topology to identify a reflood set of neighbors of the flooding node for reaching a set of two-hop neighbors of the flooding node. The system then transmits a link state message with an indication to reflood the link state message to the reflood set of neighbors. Finally, the system transmits the link state message without the indication to reflood to remaining neighbors of the flooding node that form a non-reflood set.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system for operating a switch fabric. During operation, the system identifies network traffic for transmission between two access switches in a switch fabric. Next, the system selects a subset of the network traffic for forwarding on an expedited fabric path comprising a physical link between the two access switches that isolated from other physical links in the switch fabric. Next, the system forwards the subset of the network traffic on the expedited fabric path.