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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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: Techniques for automatically recommending a new data center, such as a point-of-presence (POP) center are provided. In one technique, multiple candidate locations for a new POP center are considered. An impact of adding a new POP to each candidate location is estimated and a score is generated. Each candidate location is ranked based on the score. In a related technique, an impact score for a candidate location is based on a prediction of whether and how much a new POP center at the candidate location would reduce response times of clients that would connect to the new POP center. The prediction may be based on a model that is generated based on response data generated by clients that are connecting to existing POP centers. The model may take into account multiple factors, such as geographic distance, network distance, type of browser executing on the clients, type of operating system, etc.

Abstract: Techniques for automatically recommending a new data center, such as a point-of-presence (POP) center are provided. In one technique, multiple candidate locations for a new POP center are considered. An impact of adding a new POP to each candidate location is estimated and a score is generated. Each candidate location is ranked based on the score. In a related technique, an impact score for a candidate location is based on a prediction of whether and how much a new POP center at the candidate location would reduce response times of clients that would connect to the new POP center. The prediction may be based on a model that is generated based on response data generated by clients that are connecting to existing POP centers. The model may take into account multiple factors, such as geographic distance, network distance, type of browser executing on the clients, type of operating system, etc.