Network Mis-cabling Detection via ID Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
In datacenter environments, mis-cabling issues often occur due to frequent changes in network topologies, leading to difficulties in correctly reconnecting network cables, which can result in downtime, packet storms, and security breaches.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a discovery protocol to store and compare original and new remote device and port IDs, sending a mismatch alarm when they do not match, facilitating the detection and correction of mis-cabling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If network cables are temporarily unplugged for maintenance or re-routing, then easier access and reconfiguration is achieved, but correct reconnection becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically discovering and recording the original cable connections (device IDs and port IDs) before maintenance operations begin. This pre-established connection map enables rapid and accurate reconnection after maintenance, eliminating the time-consuming manual tracking process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If network topology changes frequently to accommodate new additions or testing, then adaptability and versatility improve, but mis-cabling errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback by periodically performing discovery processes to detect changes in network topology. When cable connections change, the system automatically compares new connections against the original map and generates mismatch alarms, providing real-time feedback that maintains cabling accuracy despite frequent topology changes.
Solution Approach 2:
Before topology changes are made, the system has already established a baseline connection map. This preliminary record serves as a reference for validating future changes, ensuring that new connections are intentional and correct rather than erroneous mis-cabling.
3Device complexity
If manual tracking of cable connections is used, then device complexity is reduced, but detection precision and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system practices self-service by automatically performing discovery processes to identify and track cable connections without human intervention. Network devices autonomously provide their identification information through protocols like LLDP, and the system automatically maps connections, eliminating the need for manual tracking while achieving high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual system of physical cable tracking with an automated electronic discovery process. Instead of manually recording connections, the system uses network protocols to automatically identify devices and ports, substituting human labor with automated electronic detection and recording mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting network mis-cabling includes receiving, from a discovery process, an original remote device identifier (“ID”) and remote port ID of a port of a remote device connected to a port of a local device and storing the original remote device ID and remote port ID together with a local device ID and a local port ID of the port of the local device. The method includes receiving, from the discovery process, a new remote device ID and remote port ID for a remote device connected to the port of the local device, and comparing the original remote device ID and port ID with the new remote device ID and remote port ID. The method includes, in response to the original remote device ID and the original remote port ID not matching the new remote device ID and the new remote port ID, sending a mismatch alarm.