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Traceroute and path discovery tools
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traceroute RFCs (19)
RFC 9961: MPLS Segment Routing Point-to-Multipoint (P2MP) Policy Ping
Proposed Standard- H. Bidgoli
- Z. Ali
- Z. Zhang
- A. Budhiraja
- D. Voyer
- April 2026
- IETF publication
- Routing Area
Abstract
Segment Routing (SR) Point-to-Multipoint (P2MP) Policies are used to define and manage explicit P2MP paths within a network. These policies are typically calculated via a controller-based mechanism and installed via, e.g., a Path Computation Element (PCE). In other cases, these policies can be installed using the Network Configuration Protocol (NETCONF) / YANG or a Command Line Interface (CLI). They are used to steer Multicast traffic along optimized paths from a Root to a set of Leaf routers.
This document defines extensions to ping and traceroute mechanisms for an SR P2MP Policy with MPLS encapsulation to provide Operations, Administration, and Maintenance (OAM) capabilities. The extensions enable operators to verify connectivity, diagnose failures, and troubleshoot forwarding issues within SR P2MP Policy Multicast trees.
By introducing new mechanisms for detecting failures and validating path integrity, this document enhances the operational robustness of P2MP Multicast deployments. Additionally, it ensures that existing MPLS and SR-based OAM tools can be effectively applied to networks utilizing SR P2MP Policies.
Abstract
Segment Routing (SR) Point-to-Multipoint (P2MP) Policies are used to define and manage explicit P2MP paths within a network. These policies are typically calculated via a controller-based mechanism and installed via, e.g., a Path Computation Element (PCE). In other cases, these policies can be installed using the Network Configuration Protocol (NETCONF) / YANG or a Command Line Interface (CLI). They are used to steer Multicast traffic along optimized paths from a Root to a set of Leaf routers.
This document defines extensions to ping and traceroute mechanisms for an SR P2MP Policy with MPLS encapsulation to provide Operations, Administration, and Maintenance (OAM) capabilities. The extensions enable operators to verify connectivity, diagnose failures, and troubleshoot forwarding issues within SR P2MP Policy Multicast trees.
By introducing new mechanisms for detecting failures and validating path integrity, this document enhances the operational robustness of P2MP Multicast deployments. Additionally, it ensures that existing MPLS and SR-based OAM tools can be effectively applied to networks utilizing SR P2MP Policies.
RFC 9716: Mechanisms for MPLS Ping and Traceroute Procedures in Inter-Domain Segment Routing Networks
Proposed Standard- S. Hegde
- K. Arora
- M. Srivastava
- S. Ninan
- N. Kumar
- February 2025
- IETF publication
- Routing Area
Abstract
The Segment Routing (SR) architecture leverages source routing and can be directly applied to the use of an MPLS data plane. A Segment Routing over MPLS (SR-MPLS) network may consist of multiple IGP domains or multiple Autonomous Systems (ASes) under the control of the same organization. It is useful to have the Label Switched Path (LSP) ping and traceroute procedures when an SR end-to-end path traverses multiple ASes or IGP domains. This document outlines mechanisms to enable efficient LSP ping and traceroute procedures in inter-AS and inter-domain SR-MPLS networks. This is achieved through a straightforward extension to the Operations, Administration, and Maintenance (OAM) protocol, relying solely on data plane forwarding for handling echo replies on transit nodes.
Abstract
The Segment Routing (SR) architecture leverages source routing and can be directly applied to the use of an MPLS data plane. A Segment Routing over MPLS (SR-MPLS) network may consist of multiple IGP domains or multiple Autonomous Systems (ASes) under the control of the same organization. It is useful to have the Label Switched Path (LSP) ping and traceroute procedures when an SR end-to-end path traverses multiple ASes or IGP domains. This document outlines mechanisms to enable efficient LSP ping and traceroute procedures in inter-AS and inter-domain SR-MPLS networks. This is achieved through a straightforward extension to the Operations, Administration, and Maintenance (OAM) protocol, relying solely on data plane forwarding for handling echo replies on transit nodes.
RFC 9703: Label Switched Path (LSP) Ping/Traceroute for Segment Routing (SR) Egress Peer Engineering (EPE) Segment Identifiers (SIDs) with MPLS Data Plane
Proposed Standard- S. Hegde
- M. Srivastava
- K. Arora
- S. Ninan
- X. Xu
- December 2024
- IETF publication
- Routing Area
Abstract
Egress Peer Engineering (EPE) is an application of Segment Routing (SR) that solves the problem of egress peer selection. The SR-based BGP-EPE solution allows a centralized controller, e.g., a Software-Defined Network (SDN) controller, to program any egress peer. The EPE solution requires the node or the SDN controller to program 1) the PeerNode Segment Identifier (SID) describing a session between two nodes, 2) the PeerAdj SID describing the link or links that are used by the sessions between peer nodes, and 3) the PeerSet SID describing any connected interface to any peer in the related group. This document provides new sub-TLVs for EPE-SIDs that are used in the Target FEC Stack TLV (Type 1) in MPLS Ping and Traceroute procedures.
Abstract
Egress Peer Engineering (EPE) is an application of Segment Routing (SR) that solves the problem of egress peer selection. The SR-based BGP-EPE solution allows a centralized controller, e.g., a Software-Defined Network (SDN) controller, to program any egress peer. The EPE solution requires the node or the SDN controller to program 1) the PeerNode Segment Identifier (SID) describing a session between two nodes, 2) the PeerAdj SID describing the link or links that are used by the sessions between peer nodes, and 3) the PeerSet SID describing any connected interface to any peer in the related group. This document provides new sub-TLVs for EPE-SIDs that are used in the Target FEC Stack TLV (Type 1) in MPLS Ping and Traceroute procedures.
RFC 9655: Egress Validation in Label Switched Path Ping and Traceroute Mechanisms
Proposed Standard- D. Rathi
- S. Hegde
- K. Arora
- Z. Ali
- N. Nainar
- November 2024
- IETF publication
- Routing Area
Abstract
The MPLS ping and traceroute mechanisms described in RFC 8029 and the related extensions for Segment Routing (SR) defined in RFC 8287 are highly valuable for validating control plane and data plane synchronization. In certain environments, only some intermediate or transit nodes may have been upgraded to support these validation procedures. A straightforward MPLS ping and traceroute mechanism allows traversal of any path without validation of the control plane state. RFC 8029 supports this mechanism with the Nil Forwarding Equivalence Class (FEC). The procedures outlined in RFC 8029 are primarily applicable when the Nil FEC is used as an intermediate FEC in the FEC stack. However, challenges arise when all labels in the label stack are represented using the Nil FEC.
This document introduces a new Type-Length-Value (TLV) as an extension to the existing Nil FEC. It describes MPLS ping and traceroute procedures using the Nil FEC with this extension to address and overcome these challenges.
Abstract
The MPLS ping and traceroute mechanisms described in RFC 8029 and the related extensions for Segment Routing (SR) defined in RFC 8287 are highly valuable for validating control plane and data plane synchronization. In certain environments, only some intermediate or transit nodes may have been upgraded to support these validation procedures. A straightforward MPLS ping and traceroute mechanism allows traversal of any path without validation of the control plane state. RFC 8029 supports this mechanism with the Nil Forwarding Equivalence Class (FEC). The procedures outlined in RFC 8029 are primarily applicable when the Nil FEC is used as an intermediate FEC in the FEC stack. However, challenges arise when all labels in the label stack are represented using the Nil FEC.
This document introduces a new Type-Length-Value (TLV) as an extension to the existing Nil FEC. It describes MPLS ping and traceroute procedures using the Nil FEC with this extension to address and overcome these challenges.
RFC 9507: Information-Centric Networking (ICN) Traceroute Protocol Specification
Experimental- S. Mastorakis
- D. Oran
- I. Moiseenko
- J. Gibson
- R. Droms
- March 2024
- IRTF publication
Abstract
This document presents the design of an Information-Centric Networking (ICN) Traceroute protocol. This includes the operation of both the client and the forwarder.
This document is a product of the Information-Centric Networking Research Group (ICNRG) of the IRTF.
Abstract
This document presents the design of an Information-Centric Networking (ICN) Traceroute protocol. This includes the operation of both the client and the forwarder.
This document is a product of the Information-Centric Networking Research Group (ICNRG) of the IRTF.
RFC 8611: Label Switched Path (LSP) Ping and Traceroute Multipath Support for Link Aggregation Group (LAG) Interfaces
Proposed Standard- N. Akiya
- G. Swallow
- S. Litkowski
- B. Decraene
- J. Drake
- M. Chen
- June 2019
- IETF publication
- Routing Area
Abstract
This document defines extensions to the MPLS Label Switched Path (LSP) Ping and Traceroute mechanisms as specified in RFC 8029. The extensions allow the MPLS LSP Ping and Traceroute mechanisms to discover and exercise specific paths of Layer 2 (L2) Equal-Cost Multipath (ECMP) over Link Aggregation Group (LAG) interfaces. Additionally, a mechanism is defined to enable the determination of the capabilities supported by a Label Switching Router (LSR).
This document updates RFC 8029.
Abstract
This document defines extensions to the MPLS Label Switched Path (LSP) Ping and Traceroute mechanisms as specified in RFC 8029. The extensions allow the MPLS LSP Ping and Traceroute mechanisms to discover and exercise specific paths of Layer 2 (L2) Equal-Cost Multipath (ECMP) over Link Aggregation Group (LAG) interfaces. Additionally, a mechanism is defined to enable the determination of the capabilities supported by a Label Switching Router (LSR).
This document updates RFC 8029.
RFC 8487: Mtrace Version 2: Traceroute Facility for IP Multicast
Proposed Standard- H. Asaeda
- K. Meyer
- W. Lee
- October 2018
- IETF publication
- Operations and Management Area
Abstract
This document describes the IP multicast traceroute facility, named Mtrace version 2 (Mtrace2). Unlike unicast traceroute, Mtrace2 requires special implementations on the part of routers. This specification describes the required functionality in multicast routers, as well as how an Mtrace2 client invokes a Query and receives a Reply.
Abstract
This document describes the IP multicast traceroute facility, named Mtrace version 2 (Mtrace2). Unlike unicast traceroute, Mtrace2 requires special implementations on the part of routers. This specification describes the required functionality in multicast routers, as well as how an Mtrace2 client invokes a Query and receives a Reply.
RFC 8287: Label Switched Path (LSP) Ping/Traceroute for Segment Routing (SR) IGP-Prefix and IGP-Adjacency Segment Identifiers (SIDs) with MPLS Data Planes
Proposed Standard- N. Kumar
- C. Pignataro
- G. Swallow
- N. Akiya
- S. Kini
- M. Chen
- December 2017
- IETF publication
- Routing Area
Abstract
A Segment Routing (SR) architecture leverages source routing and tunneling paradigms and can be directly applied to the use of a Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) data plane. A node steers a packet through a controlled set of instructions called "segments" by prepending the packet with an SR header.
The segment assignment and forwarding semantic nature of SR raises additional considerations for connectivity verification and fault isolation for a Label Switched Path (LSP) within an SR architecture. This document illustrates the problem and defines extensions to perform LSP Ping and Traceroute for Segment Routing IGP-Prefix and IGP-Adjacency Segment Identifiers (SIDs) with an MPLS data plane.
Abstract
A Segment Routing (SR) architecture leverages source routing and tunneling paradigms and can be directly applied to the use of a Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) data plane. A node steers a packet through a controlled set of instructions called "segments" by prepending the packet with an SR header.
The segment assignment and forwarding semantic nature of SR raises additional considerations for connectivity verification and fault isolation for a Label Switched Path (LSP) within an SR architecture. This document illustrates the problem and defines extensions to perform LSP Ping and Traceroute for Segment Routing IGP-Prefix and IGP-Adjacency Segment Identifiers (SIDs) with an MPLS data plane.
RFC 7737: Label Switched Path (LSP) Ping and Traceroute Reply Mode Simplification
Proposed Standard- N. Akiya
- G. Swallow
- C. Pignataro
- L. Andersson
- M. Chen
- January 2016
- IETF publication
- Routing Area
Abstract
The Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) Label Switched Path (LSP) Ping and Traceroute use the Reply Mode field to signal the method to be used in the MPLS echo reply. This document updates the procedures for the "Reply via Specified Path" Reply Mode. The value of this Reply Mode is 5. The update creates a simple way to indicate that the reverse LSP should be used as the return path. This document also adds an optional TLV that can carry an ordered list of Reply Mode values.
Abstract
The Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) Label Switched Path (LSP) Ping and Traceroute use the Reply Mode field to signal the method to be used in the MPLS echo reply. This document updates the procedures for the "Reply via Specified Path" Reply Mode. The value of this Reply Mode is 5. The update creates a simple way to indicate that the reverse LSP should be used as the return path. This document also adds an optional TLV that can carry an ordered list of Reply Mode values.
RFC 7403: A Media-Based Traceroute Function for the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)
Proposed Standard- H. Kaplan
- November 2014
- IETF publication
- Applications and Real-Time Area
Abstract
SIP already provides the ability to perform hop-by-hop traceroute for SIP messages using the Max-Forwards header field to determine the reachability path of requests to a target. A mechanism for media-loopback calls has also been defined separately, which enables test calls to be generated that result in media being looped back to the originator. This document describes a means of performing hop-by-hop traceroute-style test calls using the media-loopback mechanism to test the media path when SIP sessions go through media-relaying back-to-back user agents (B2BUAs).
Abstract
SIP already provides the ability to perform hop-by-hop traceroute for SIP messages using the Max-Forwards header field to determine the reachability path of requests to a target. A mechanism for media-loopback calls has also been defined separately, which enables test calls to be generated that result in media being looped back to the originator. This document describes a means of performing hop-by-hop traceroute-style test calls using the media-loopback mechanism to test the media path when SIP sessions go through media-relaying back-to-back user agents (B2BUAs).
RFC 6791: Stateless Source Address Mapping for ICMPv6 Packets
Proposed Standard- X. Li
- C. Bao
- D. Wing
- R. Vaithianathan
- G. Huston
- November 2012
- IETF publication
- Operations and Management Area
Abstract
A stateless IPv4/IPv6 translator may receive ICMPv6 packets containing non-IPv4-translatable addresses as the source. These packets should be passed across the translator as ICMP packets directed to the IPv4 destination. This document presents recommendations for source address translation in ICMPv6 headers to handle such cases. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
Abstract
A stateless IPv4/IPv6 translator may receive ICMPv6 packets containing non-IPv4-translatable addresses as the source. These packets should be passed across the translator as ICMP packets directed to the IPv4 destination. This document presents recommendations for source address translation in ICMPv6 headers to handle such cases. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
RFC 5508: BCP 148: NAT Behavioral Requirements for ICMP
Best Current Practice- P. Srisuresh
- B. Ford
- S. Sivakumar
- S. Guha
- April 2009
- IETF publication
- Transport Area
Abstract
This document specifies the behavioral properties required of the Network Address Translator (NAT) devices in conjunction with the Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP). The objective of this memo is to make NAT devices more predictable and compatible with diverse application protocols that traverse the devices. Companion documents provide behavioral recommendations specific to TCP, UDP, and other protocols. This document specifies an Internet Best Current Practices for the Internet Community, and requests discussion and suggestions for improvements.
Abstract
This document specifies the behavioral properties required of the Network Address Translator (NAT) devices in conjunction with the Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP). The objective of this memo is to make NAT devices more predictable and compatible with diverse application protocols that traverse the devices. Companion documents provide behavioral recommendations specific to TCP, UDP, and other protocols. This document specifies an Internet Best Current Practices for the Internet Community, and requests discussion and suggestions for improvements.
RFC 5388: Information Model and XML Data Model for Traceroute Measurements
Proposed Standard- S. Niccolini
- S. Tartarelli
- J. Quittek
- T. Dietz
- M. Swany
- December 2008
- IETF publication
- Operations and Management Area
Abstract
This document describes a standard way to store the configuration and the results of traceroute measurements. This document first describes the terminology used in this document and the traceroute tool itself; afterwards, the common information model is defined, dividing the information elements into two semantically separated groups (configuration elements and results elements). Moreover, an additional element is defined to relate configuration elements and results elements by means of a common unique identifier. On the basis of the information model, a data model based on XML is defined to store the results of traceroute measurements. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
Abstract
This document describes a standard way to store the configuration and the results of traceroute measurements. This document first describes the terminology used in this document and the traceroute tool itself; afterwards, the common information model is defined, dividing the information elements into two semantically separated groups (configuration elements and results elements). Moreover, an additional element is defined to relate configuration elements and results elements by means of a common unique identifier. On the basis of the information model, a data model based on XML is defined to store the results of traceroute measurements. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
RFC 4560: Definitions of Managed Objects for Remote Ping, Traceroute, and Lookup Operations
Proposed Standard- J. Quittek
- K. White
- June 2006
- IETF publication
- Operations and Management Area
Abstract
This memo defines Management Information Bases (MIBs) for performing ping, traceroute, and lookup operations at a host. When managing a network, it is useful to be able to initiate and retrieve the results of ping or traceroute operations when they are performed at a remote host. A lookup capability is defined in order to enable resolution of either an IP address to an DNS name or a DNS name to an IP address at a remote host.
Currently, there are several enterprise-specific MIBs for performing remote ping or traceroute operations. The purpose of this memo is to define a standards-based solution to enable interoperability. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
Abstract
This memo defines Management Information Bases (MIBs) for performing ping, traceroute, and lookup operations at a host. When managing a network, it is useful to be able to initiate and retrieve the results of ping or traceroute operations when they are performed at a remote host. A lookup capability is defined in order to enable resolution of either an IP address to an DNS name or a DNS name to an IP address at a remote host.
Currently, there are several enterprise-specific MIBs for performing remote ping or traceroute operations. The purpose of this memo is to define a standards-based solution to enable interoperability. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
RFC 3609: Tracing Requirements for Generic Tunnels
Informational- R. Bonica
- K. Kompella
- D. Meyer
- October 2003
- IETF publication
- Routing Area
Abstract
This document specifies requirements for a generic route-tracing application. It also specifies requirements for a protocol that will support that application. Network operators will use the generic route-tracing application to verify proper operation of the IP forwarding plane. They will also use the application to discover details regarding tunnels that support IP forwarding. The generic route-tracing application, specified herein, supports a superset of the functionality that "traceroute" currently offers. Like traceroute, the generic route-tracing application can discover the forwarding path between two interfaces that are contained by an IP network. Unlike traceroute, this application can reveal details regarding tunnels that support the IP forwarding path.
Abstract
This document specifies requirements for a generic route-tracing application. It also specifies requirements for a protocol that will support that application. Network operators will use the generic route-tracing application to verify proper operation of the IP forwarding plane. They will also use the application to discover details regarding tunnels that support IP forwarding. The generic route-tracing application, specified herein, supports a superset of the functionality that "traceroute" currently offers. Like traceroute, the generic route-tracing application can discover the forwarding path between two interfaces that are contained by an IP network. Unlike traceroute, this application can reveal details regarding tunnels that support the IP forwarding path.
RFC 2925: Definitions of Managed Objects for Remote Ping, Traceroute, and Lookup Operations
Proposed Standard- K. White
- September 2000
- IETF publication
- Operations and Management Area
Abstract
This memo defines Management Information Bases (MIBs) for performing remote ping, traceroute and lookup operations at a remote host. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
- Obsoleted by RFC 4560
Abstract
This memo defines Management Information Bases (MIBs) for performing remote ping, traceroute and lookup operations at a remote host. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
RFC 1739: A Primer On Internet and TCP/IP Tools
Informational- G. Kessler
- S. Shepard
- December 1994
- Legacy publication
Abstract
This memo is an introductory guide to some of the TCP/IP and Internet tools and utilities that allow users to access the wide variety of information on the network, from determining if a particular host is up to viewing a multimedia thesis on foreign policy. It also describes discussion lists accessible from the Internet, ways to obtain Internet documents, and resources that help users weave their way through the Internet. This memo provides information for the Internet community. This memo does not specify an Internet standard of any kind.
- Obsoleted by RFC 2151
Abstract
This memo is an introductory guide to some of the TCP/IP and Internet tools and utilities that allow users to access the wide variety of information on the network, from determining if a particular host is up to viewing a multimedia thesis on foreign policy. It also describes discussion lists accessible from the Internet, ways to obtain Internet documents, and resources that help users weave their way through the Internet. This memo provides information for the Internet community. This memo does not specify an Internet standard of any kind.
RFC 1574: Essential Tools for the OSI Internet
Informational- S. Hares
- C. Wittbrodt
- February 1994
- IETF publication
- Operational Requirements Area
Abstract
This document specifies the following three necessary tools to debug problems in the deployment and maintenance of networks using ISO 8473 (CLNP): ping or OSI Echo function, traceroute function which uses the OSI Echo function, and routing table dump function. This memo provides information for the Internet community. This memo does not specify an Internet standard of any kind.
Abstract
This document specifies the following three necessary tools to debug problems in the deployment and maintenance of networks using ISO 8473 (CLNP): ping or OSI Echo function, traceroute function which uses the OSI Echo function, and routing table dump function. This memo provides information for the Internet community. This memo does not specify an Internet standard of any kind.
RFC 1393: Traceroute Using an IP Option
Historic- G. Malkin
- January 1993
- Legacy publication
Abstract
This document specifies a new IP option and ICMP message type which duplicates the functionality of the existing traceroute method while generating fewer packets and completing in a shorter time. This memo defines an Experimental Protocol for the Internet community.
- Obsoleted by RFC 6814
Abstract
This document specifies a new IP option and ICMP message type which duplicates the functionality of the existing traceroute method while generating fewer packets and completing in a shorter time. This memo defines an Experimental Protocol for the Internet community.
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