Automatic setup of reflector instances
A method of establishing a service operations administration and maintenance (OAM) session between an originator and a reflector in a communication network includes continuously monitoring, by the reflector, any test packets transmitted by the originator. The originator transmits to the reflector, at a time indicated by a first timestamp, a test packet. The reflector receives the test packet at a time indicated by a second timestamp and generates a unique flow identifier that identifies the reflector. The reflector transmits the test packet to the originator. The reflector assigns a sequence number to the test packet. The originator receives the test packet at a time indicated by a fourth timestamp. The reflector stores the unique flow identifier at least for the duration of the OAM session.
1. A method of performing a bi-directional test measurement in a network, the method comprising:
receiving a test packet by an unmanaged reflector, the test packet transmitted by an originator, the test packet used to implement the test measurement;
the reflector generating a state session, the state session storing the state of the test measurement; and
transmitting the test packet from the reflector to the originator.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the reflector assigning a sequence number to the test packet.
3. The method of claim 1 further comprising the reflector assigning a unique flow identifier which identifies the reflector.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the network is a VLAN.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the test measurement verifies layer 2 performance.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the test measurement verifies layer 3 performance.
7. A method of performing a bi-directional test measurement in a network, the method comprising:
receiving a test packet by an unmanaged reflector, the test packet transmitted by an originator, the test packet used to implement the test measurement;
the reflector generating a state session comprising a unique sequence number counter and an expiration timer, the state session storing the state of the test measurement; and
transmitting the test packet from the reflector to the originator.