Layer-2 Switch Network Map Generation via MAC Port Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network management technologies face challenges in automatically generating accurate network maps, particularly when multiple OSI Reference Model Layer-2 elements are present, as they struggle to detect inter-switch and switch-terminal connections effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method using a new algorithm that discovers OSI Reference Model Layer-2 switches and their connections by generating and normalizing MAC address versus port mapping tables, allowing for the automatic detection of inter-switch and switch-terminal connections through SNMP protocol, even in the presence of non-intelligent terminals or Layer-3 switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional network management methods are used to automatically generate network maps, then the process can be automated, but the accuracy of detecting inter-switch and switch-terminal connections deteriorates when multiple Layer-2 elements are present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network detection process into distinct phases: discovering Layer-2 switches, building MAC-address-to-port mapping tables, normalizing the tables by removing duplicates, and detecting connections. This segmentation allows each phase to be handled with specialized algorithms, improving overall detection accuracy while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces MAC-address-to-port mapping tables as an intermediary data structure to bridge the gap between SNMP queries and connection detection. These tables serve as a mediator that captures and organizes network traffic information, enabling accurate connection detection without requiring direct communication between all network elements.
2Device complexity
If simple discovery protocols are used, then the complexity of the detection algorithm is reduced, but the ability to handle complex network configurations with multiple Layer-2 elements and non-intelligent terminals deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal detection algorithm that handles multiple network configurations through a single unified approach. The MAC-address-to-port mapping tables and normalization process work universally across different scenarios including simple networks, networks with multiple Layer-2 switches, and networks with non-intelligent terminals, eliminating the need for separate detection mechanisms for each configuration type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter representation from direct connection indicators to MAC-address-to-port mapping relationships. By transforming the detection parameters into mapping tables that record which MAC addresses are seen on which ports, the algorithm can handle complex configurations through systematic parameter transformation and normalization rather than complex conditional logic.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive mapping tables are built to track all MAC addresses and ports, then connection detection accuracy improves, but the processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by building and normalizing MAC-address-to-port mapping tables before actual connection detection. The normalization step, which removes duplicate entries and consolidates information, is performed in advance, so that the subsequent connection detection phase can proceed efficiently with already-processed data, reducing overall processing time.
Data Source
AI summary
By synthesizing the map of an entire network, it provides a method for detecting OSI Reference Model layer-2 switches and evaluating the status of the inter-connection of the layer-2 switches. The NMT (102) which implements the SNMP manager queries the specified management IP-addresses and receives responses from the SNMP agents implemented on the layer-2 switches (103,104,105). From the management information in the responses, the existence of the layer-2 switches is confirmed and the MAC address and port information mapping table MvP table is constructed. Based on the MvP table the inter-connection information of the layer-2 switches is detected.