Abstract
In order to meet their stringent dependability requirements, most modern
communication networks support fast-recovery mechanisms in the data
plane. While reactions to failures in the data plane can be
significantly faster compared to control plane mechanisms, implementing
fast recovery in the data plane is challenging, and has recently
received much attention in the literature. This survey presents a
systematic, tutorial-like overview of packet-based fast-recovery
mechanisms in the data plane, focusing on concepts but structured around
different networking technologies, from traditional link-layer and
IP-based mechanisms, over BGP and MPLS to emerging software-defined
networks and programmable data planes. We examine the evolution of
fast-recovery standards and mechanisms over time, and identify and
discuss the fundamental principles and algorithms underlying different
mechanisms. We then present a taxonomy of the state of the art and
compile open research questions.