Network Port Misconfiguration Detection via LLDP Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex wireless network systems often experience issues due to port misconfigurations between connected network devices, leading to problems for client devices accessing the network.
Innovation Solution
A network management system (NMS) is employed to determine port misconfigurations by obtaining and analyzing port information from connected network devices, and automatically performing corrective actions to remedy the misconfigurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual port configuration is used between network devices, then configuration flexibility is maintained, but port misconfigurations occur leading to network downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors port configurations between connected network devices by exchanging LLDP packets and comparing configuration parameters (VLAN IDs, MTU, speed, duplex mode). When mismatches are detected, the system generates alerts and can automatically correct configurations, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that prevents network downtime caused by port misconfigurations
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration verification by comparing port parameters before network issues occur. By proactively detecting configuration mismatches through continuous monitoring and comparison of LLDP data, the system prevents misconfigurations from causing network downtime rather than reacting after problems arise
2Reliability
If automatic port configuration verification is implemented, then port misconfigurations are detected, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Network devices automatically perform configuration verification by exchanging LLDP packets that contain their port configuration parameters. Each device independently compares its configuration with the connected device's configuration without requiring external monitoring infrastructure, making the verification process self-service and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The LLDP protocol serves multiple functions: device discovery, configuration advertisement, and misconfiguration detection. By utilizing this existing multi-functional protocol rather than implementing a dedicated verification system, the patent reduces complexity while achieving configuration accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described for determining port misconfiguration between network devices. For example, a network management system comprises a memory and one or more processors in communication with the memory and configured to: obtain information associated with one or more ports of a plurality of network devices; determine, based on information associated with a port of a first network device of the plurality of network devices and information associated with a port of a second network device of the plurality of network devices that is connected to the port of the first network device, whether there is a port misconfiguration of the first network device or the second network device; and perform, based on the determination that there is a port misconfiguration of the first network device or the second network device, an action to remedy the port misconfiguration of the first network device or the second network device.