DUAL INTERNET PROTOCOL (IP) NETWORK INPUT REFERENCE VALIDATION

Number: 20240121198
Published: 2024-04-11
Filed: 2022-10-07
Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
Inventors: Strein; Michael J. et al.
CPC: H04L43/0817; H04L43/50; H04L47/2416; H04L47/32; H04L65/65
Verdict: Set aside network infrastructure validation, plumbing
Source: Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline

Abstract

Embodiments provide systems and techniques for testing the functionality of a network architecture having multiple redundant internet protocol (IP) networks. An example system includes a first IP network having a first network device, and a second IP network having a second network device. The system also includes a computing device coupled to the first IP network via the first network device and to the second IP network via the second network device. The first network device is configured to selectively forward first packet(s) of the IP media traffic flow to the computing device when the first packet(s) satisfies a first predetermined condition. The second network device is configured to selectively forward second packet(s) of the IP media traffic flow to the computing device when the second packet(s) satisfies a second predetermined condition.

Background

BACKGROUND

Media facilities generally employ internet protocol (IP) networks that are able to receive, process, forward, and generate IP media traffic flows, such as media-over-IP multicast production media traffic flows. The IP media traffic flows may carry different types of media traffic, including, for example, video, audio, metadata, and combinations thereof. Because IP media production often involves latency sensitive traffic, such as live streaming video, media facilities generally assure delivery on IP networks by using multiple active transmission links to handle IP media traffic flows instead of either retransmission methods or active/passive failover systems. For example, a resilient architecture may incorporate multiple independent IP networks (often referred to as “Red/Blue” networks), where identical IP traffic follows multiple discrete paths (through the multiple independent IP networks) from the source to the destination. Such an architecture may allow for IP traffic to arrive intact at the destination in the event of a failure of one or more components along one of the paths. In order for the destination to operate in such a resilient architecture, the destination needs multiple distinct inputs (e.g., a respective network interface card for receiving IP traffic from each IP network). The destination can then receive IP traffic from both inputs. Such a network architecture design with multiple independent IP networks can pose challenges when testing the

Claims

1. A system for testing a functionality of a media network comprising: a first internet protocol (IP) network comprising a first network device and configured to forward an IP media traffic flow; a second IP network comprising a second network device and configured to forward the IP media traffic flow; a first computing device coupled to the first IP network via the first network device and to the second IP network via the second network device; and a second computing device coupled to the first IP network via the first network device and to the second IP network via the second network device, wherein: the first computing device is configured to transmit the IP media traffic flow to the second computing device via the first IP network and the second IP network; and at least one of: the first network device is configured to selectively forward at least one first packet of the IP media traffic flow to the second computing device when the at least one first packet satisfies a first predetermined condition; or the second network device is configured to selectively forward at least one second packet of the IP media traffic flow to the second computing device when the at least one second packet satisfies a second predetermined condition, wherein the at least one first packet is different from the at least one second packet. || 11. A computer-implemented method performed by a controller for testing a functionality of a media network comprising a first internet protocol (IP) network and a second IP network redundant to the first IP network, the computer-implemented method comprising: configuring at least one of (i) a first network device within the first IP network to selectively forward at least one first packet of an IP media traffic flow when the at least one first packet satisfies a first predetermined condition or (ii) a second network device within the second IP network to selectively forward at least one second packet of the IP media traffic flow when the at least one second packet satisfies a second predetermined condition, wherein the at least one first packet is different from the at least one second packet; and performing a test of a functionality of a computing device to recover the IP media traffic flow from at least one of the first network device or the second network device. || 16. A network device comprising: a processor; and a memory containing a program that, when executed by the processor, performs an operation comprising: receiving a sequence of packets of an internet protocol (IP) media traffic flow, wherein the network device is located within a first IP network of a plurality of redundant IP networks; and for each packet of the sequence of packets: forwarding the packet upon determining that the packet satisfies a predetermined condition; and discarding the packet upon determining that the packet does not satisfy the predetermined condition.