US Patent 7499395 BFD rate-limiting and automatic session activation

A system and method for bidirectional forwarding detection (BFD) rate-limiting and automatic BFD session activation includes tracking a total bidirectional forwarding detection (BFD) packet rate for a line card (LC) of the node, and rejecting operations associated with creation of a new BFD session that would cause the total BFD packet rate to exceed a predetermined maximum rate. The new BFD session is stored in a state on the node and the operations of the new BFD session are automatically retried at a time when doing so would not exceed the predetermined maximum rate. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.