Method and Apparatus for Improving Network Communication Using BFD and VRRP Tracking System

Abstract

An apparatus and method of a network system between a host and a group of routers using virtual router redundancy protocol (“VRRP”) messages and bidirectional forwarding detection (“BFD”) sessions are disclosed. The network system is capable of facilitating a first communication between a host and a master router of multiple VRRP routers and establishing a BFD session between the host and the master router. When the BFD session fails, the priority of the master router is subsequently lowered and a backup router is activated. In one embodiment, the backup router capable of performing functions of the master router becomes a new master until the BFD session resumes.

1 . A method for network communication, comprising:
 detecting a connectivity failure associated with a first connectivity session employed to verify connectivity between a host and a first router;   broadcasting a message indicating the connectivity failure and changing priority of the first router via a priority protocol;   selecting a second router as a backup router of the first router to take over routing tasks for the host in accordance with the message.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 establishing a first data session between the host and the first router having a first priority managed by the priority protocol; and   sending a plurality of connectivity messages via the first connectivity session between the host and the first router on a predefined time period.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 lowering the first priority of the first router to zero in response to the message; and   permitting the second router becoming a new master router if the second router has a priority higher than zero.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising:
 establishing a second data session between the host and the second router having a second priority managed by the priority protocol; and   forming a second connectivity session between the host and the second router.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising trying to reestablish the first connectivity session between the host and the first router. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , further comprising:
 raising the first priority to a highest priority when the first connectivity session is reestablished; and   resuming the first data session between the host and the first router once the highest priority of the first priority is accomplished via the priority protocol.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein detecting a connectivity failure associated with a first connectivity session includes activating a bidirectional forwarding detection (“BFD”) session for verifying connectivity between the host and the first router. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein broadcasting a message indicating the connectivity failure and changing of priority of the first router via a priority protocol includes notifying and prioritizing a plurality of routers via a virtual router redundancy protocol (“VRRP”). 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein lowering the first priority of the first router includes adjusting priority level of the first router from highest priority to lowest priority via a virtual router redundancy protocol (“VRRP”). 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein establishing a first data session includes facilitating information transfer over a network session between the host and the first router. 
     
     
         11 . A method of system communication, comprising:
 activating a connectivity diagnosis after receipt of a connectivity failure associated with a primary connectivity session between a host and a master router;   reestablishing a first bidirectional forwarding detection (“BFD”) session capable of sending BFD connectivity messages between the host and the master router;   increasing priority level of the master router via a virtual router redundancy protocol (“VRRP”) upon resumption of the first BFD session; and   resuming data transfer between the host and the mater router.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 halting data transfer in a secondary communication between the host and a backup router; and   adjusting the backup router from active status to backup status in accordance with priority levels between the master router and the backup router.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein increasing priority level of the master router further includes establishing a priority messaging system utilizing VRRP to prioritize the plurality of VRRP routers. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein reestablishing a first bidirectional forwarding detection (“BFD”) session includes monitoring network connectivity between the host and the master router. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein increasing priority level of the master router includes broadcasting a highest priority level associated to the master router via a VRRP message. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein activating a connectivity diagnosis after receipt of a connectivity failure associated with a primary connectivity session between a host and a master router further includes,
 establishing a plurality of connectivity sessions between the host and a plurality of VRRP routers; and   monitoring network connectivity between the host and the master router via BFD messages.   
     
     
         18 . A network system, comprising:
 a host configured to provide network communication for a plurality of wireless devices;   a primary router coupled with the host via a first connection able to transport information, and configured to facilitate a bidirectional forwarding detection (“BFD”) session for verifying connectivity between the host and the primary router; and   a plurality of secondary routers coupled with the host and operable to communicate with the primary router via virtual router redundancy protocol (“VRRP”), wherein one of the plurality of secondary routers is selected to be a new primary router when the BFD session fails.   
     
     
         19 . The network system of  claim 18 , wherein the primary router is a VRRP router and is capable of adjusting its priority level in response to connectivity detected by the BFD. 
     
     
         20 . The network system of  claim 19 , wherein the plurality of secondary routers coupled with the host and operable to communicate with the primary router via VRRP includes selecting a router with highest priority level in the plurality of secondary routers as the new master router when the primary router lowers its priority level.