How does the Traceflow tool identify issues in a network?

The Traceflow tool is designed to help network administrators troubleshoot and identify issues by providing a detailed analysis of the data path of packets as they traverse through the network. The correct answer highlights that Traceflow injects synthetic traffic into the data plane and observes the outcomes at the control plane level. This method enables users to visualize how packets travel through various network components, such as switches and routers, and helps to reveal issues like packet loss, misconfigurations, or routing errors that might not be evident from management plane configuration checks alone.

By utilizing synthetic traffic, Traceflow can mimic real traffic conditions without impacting actual network flows, allowing for a safe and accurate assessment of network functionality. Observing the control plane’s response helps users pinpoint problems and identify where the intended behavior diverges from the expected results, leading to more effective troubleshooting.

Other approaches mentioned in the incorrect options, such as comparing configurations or monitoring keepalives, do not provide the same level of real-time operational insights as the synthetic traffic method does. These alternative methods may highlight configuration drift or state alignment, but lack the capability to show how packets are processed in real-time within the data plane, which is critical for resolving actual traffic-related issues.