Detecting Unauthorized Network Devices via Error Code Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network management systems are unable to effectively detect and identify third network devices, such as hubs or switches, that may be interfering with communication between primary network devices, leading to communication problems within residential networks.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize error codes, specifically cyclic redundancy check (CRC) packets, to determine the presence or absence of a third network device by generating and sending error codes between network devices and analyzing the number of error codes received, with the presence of a third device indicated by zero error codes, allowing for accurate detection and troubleshooting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If error codes are generated and sent between network devices to detect third devices, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses error codes as an intermediary mechanism to detect the presence of third network devices. By generating error codes at the transmitting device and analyzing them at the receiving device, the system can indirectly detect unauthorized devices without requiring direct interaction with them. This intermediary approach enables precise detection while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
2Reliability
If the system analyzes error codes to detect third network devices, then reliability of network monitoring is improved, but loss of time for code generation and analysis occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously generating and transmitting error codes between network devices. This ongoing preliminary monitoring establishes a baseline of normal error code patterns, allowing the system to quickly detect deviations that indicate the presence of third devices. The preliminary action of continuous error code generation enables rapid detection without requiring time-consuming analysis only when issues arise.
3Measurement precision
If error codes are used to distinguish error-free and error-introduced packets, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs error codes as a form of digital 'color change' or marker that transforms packets from error-free to error-introduced states. By injecting specific error patterns into transmitted packets and analyzing these patterns at the receiving end, the system can clearly distinguish between normal and compromised packets. This marker-based approach simplifies the detection process despite the underlying complexity of packet analysis.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method (400) for detecting a network device that includes issuing a first command to a first network device (211) and causing the first network device to generate error codes (222) and send the generated error codes to a second network device (212), The first network device is in wired electrical communication (20) with the second network device. The method includes receiving a number of error codes from the second network device. Moreover, the method includes determining a presence or absence of a third network device (300) based on the number of error codes of the second network device. The third network device is in wired electrical communication between the first network device and the second network device. Communication between the first and second network devices passes through the third network device.