RFC 5884 · PROPOSED STANDARD · 2010 MON · 27 JUL 2026

Bidirectional Forwarding Detection for MPLS Label Switched Paths

By R. Aggarwal, K. Kompella, T. Nadeau, G. Swallow · Published June 2010 · DOI 10.17487/RFC5884

Overview

RFC 5884, “Bidirectional Forwarding Detection for MPLS Label Switched Paths”, is a Proposed Standard document published in June 2010 by R. Aggarwal, K. Kompella, T. Nadeau, G. Swallow. It updates RFC 1122. It has since been updated by RFC 7726. The canonical text is published by the RFC Editor.

Abstract

One desirable application of Bidirectional Forwarding Detection (BFD) is to detect a Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) Label Switched Path (LSP) data plane failure. LSP Ping is an existing mechanism for detecting MPLS data plane failures and for verifying the MPLS LSP data plane against the control plane. BFD can be used for the former, but not for the latter. However, the control plane processing required for BFD Control packets is relatively smaller than the processing required for LSP Ping messages. A combination of LSP Ping and BFD can be used to provide faster data plane failure detection and/or make it possible to provide such detection on a greater number of LSPs. This document describes the applicability of BFD in relation to LSP Ping for this application. It also describes procedures for using BFD in this environment. [STANDARDS-TRACK]

Abstract as published in the RFC, via rfc-editor.org.

What “Proposed Standard” means

An entry-level standards-track specification: stable, peer-reviewed and a solid basis for implementation, though it may still evolve before becoming an Internet Standard.

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Relationships to other RFCs

This RFC updates: RFC 1122
Updated by: RFC 7726

Other RFCs from 2010

Abstract

What “Proposed Standard” means

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