Network Tapping Device Interface Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
External network tapping devices cannot determine the input and output interfaces of a routing device, limiting their ability to identify packet origins and destinations within a network.
Innovation Solution
A network device processes packets to determine the input and output interfaces of a routing device using destination and source addresses, and stores this information along with user-defined category data, enabling accurate packet tracking and monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If external tapping devices are used to obtain packets from the network, then packet copying capability is improved, but the ability to determine input and output interfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (external tapping device with enhanced functionality) that mediates between the network and monitoring instruments. This intermediary not only copies packets but also captures and processes interface identification information from discovery protocol packets, thereby resolving the information loss problem while maintaining packet copying capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively sending discovery protocol packets to routing devices before actual packet monitoring begins. This allows the external tapping device to pre-obtain interface identification information (such as input interface and output interface data) and store it in association with packet data, ensuring that interface information is available when packets are later analyzed
2Measurement precision
If discovery protocol packets are sent to obtain interface information, then interface identification capability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The external tapping device performs self-service by autonomously sending discovery protocol packets and processing the responses without requiring manual configuration or complex external systems. The device independently obtains interface identification information, manages its own packet data association, and provides complete interface monitoring functionality, thereby improving measurement precision while controlling device complexity through automation
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a network device that taps to a network having a routing device, includes: determining a first information regarding an input interface of the routing device for a packet; determining a second information regarding an output interface of the routing device for the packet; determining whether the packet belongs to a user-defined category based on one or more mapping formation defined at the network device; and storing the packet, the first information regarding the input interface of the routing device, the second information regarding the output interface of the routing device, and information regarding the user-defined category in a non-transitory medium in association with each other.