Network Device Location via Discovery Protocol Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for locating offending network devices in IP networks are cumbersome and time-consuming, especially in larger networks, requiring manual login into each switch and detailed knowledge of network architecture to identify and isolate faulty devices.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a discovery protocol frame, such as a modified Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) frame, is propagated through network switches to query for Media Access Control (MAC) addresses, allowing for automatic identification and isolation of offending devices by disabling switch ports or blocking traffic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual login into each network switch is used to locate offending devices, then network integrity can be maintained, but the process becomes lengthy and cumbersome especially in larger networks
Solution Approach 1:
A network management system acts as an intermediary between administrators and network switches. The system automatically queries multiple switches using discovery protocols to locate offending devices by MAC address, eliminating the need for manual login into each switch while maintaining network integrity through automated port disabling or traffic blocking.
2Measurement precision
If manual searching through multiple network switches is performed, then the offending device can be located, but detailed knowledge of network architecture is required and the process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The network management system performs self-service by automatically querying network switches using discovery protocols to trace MAC addresses through the network architecture. The system handles the complexity of navigating multiple switches and VLANs autonomously, providing accurate device location information without requiring operators to understand complex network architecture details.
3Productivity
If automatic discovery protocol is used to query network switches, then the location of offending devices can be determined quickly, but the system requires automated mechanisms to propagate queries through the network
Solution Approach 1:
The network management system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring automated discovery protocol queries that can quickly trace MAC addresses through network switches. The system prepares and executes automated workflows that propagate queries throughout the network, enabling rapid device location while managing the required automation level through standardized protocols and procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method detects within an IP network an offending network device that has been adversely affecting the IP network performance. A discovery protocol frame is propagated to successive network switches and is formed as a field having a query for inquiring within each network switch to which the frame is propagated whether the network switch has a database entry regarding the MAC address and switch port for the offending network device to locate the offending network device. This discovery protocol frame includes a command for any network switch that has the offending network device connected thereto to disable the switch port to which the offending network device is connected or block all data traffic from the MAC address of the offending network device.