Network Tapping Device Interface Identification via Discovery Protocol
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
External network tapping devices cannot determine the input or output interfaces of a routing device, as this information is unknown to them and cannot be determined without support from the routing device.
Innovation Solution
A network device that taps into a network uses a discovery protocol to identify the interfaces of the routing device by associating packet identities with port identities and storing this information, allowing it to determine input and output interfaces based on packet addresses and CRC comparisons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external tapping devices are used to obtain packets from the network, then packet monitoring capability is improved, but the ability to identify input and output interfaces of routing devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a discovery protocol as an intermediary mechanism between the external tapping device and the routing device. This protocol enables the tapping device to obtain interface identification information that would otherwise be unavailable, resolving the information loss problem while maintaining packet monitoring capabilities
2Adaptability or versatility
If external tapping devices attempt to determine interface information without routing device support, then device independence is improved, but measurement precision of interface identification deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The routing device performs self-service by automatically generating and transmitting discovery protocol packets that contain interface identification information. This allows external tapping devices to independently obtain accurate interface information without requiring manual configuration or complex interaction, maintaining both device independence and measurement precision
3Measurement precision
If discovery protocol is implemented to identify routing device interfaces, then interface identification capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The discovery protocol is designed with universal functionality that can be implemented across different routing device types and network configurations. By creating a standardized multi-functional protocol, the patent reduces the need for device-specific implementations, thereby managing complexity while maintaining high interface identification capability
Data Source
AI summary
A network device includes: one or more ports for tapping to a network; and a processing unit configured for receiving a first packet tapped from the network, wherein the first packet is received at a first network port of the network device; determining a first identity of a first network equipment associated with the first packet based on a discovery protocol; and associating the first identity of the first network equipment with a first identity of the first network port of the network device at which the first packet is received; and a non-transitory medium for storing the first identity of the first network equipment and the first identity of the first network port in association with each other.