Local Switch Proxy for Automated Network Connectivity Troubleshooting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Debugging network connectivity problems between a client computer and an end station host server can be challenging for non-specialists, requiring physical presence or remote assistance from network administrators due to the need for manual execution of troubleshooting tools like ping and traceroute.
Innovation Solution
A simplified interface and system that uses a Local Switch with a proxy_client module to perform connectivity tests remotely, allowing administrators to troubleshoot issues without being physically present at the client computer, by proxying client IP and MAC addresses and interacting with the IP stack to simulate packet traversal as if originating from the client.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual troubleshooting tools (ping, traceroute) are used to debug connectivity problems, then connectivity issues can be identified, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming requiring physical presence or remote assistance from network administrators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a switch as an intermediary device that automatically performs connectivity troubleshooting. The switch acts as a mediator between the client computer and the network, executing ping and traceroute commands without requiring administrator intervention. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for complex manual troubleshooting while maintaining accurate problem identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch performs self-diagnosis by automatically executing connectivity tests and analyzing its own log entries. The system serves itself by detecting connectivity issues, determining affected clients, and generating troubleshooting information without external assistance. This self-service capability simplifies the troubleshooting process while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If network administrators physically visit each client computer to run troubleshooting tests, then accurate connectivity diagnostics can be performed, but time and resources are consumed due to the need to move between computers
Solution Approach 1:
The switch performs self-diagnosis by automatically executing connectivity tests and analyzing its own log entries. The system serves itself by detecting connectivity issues, determining affected clients, and generating troubleshooting information without external assistance. This self-service capability simplifies the troubleshooting process while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch as an intermediary device performs all troubleshooting functions locally without requiring administrator presence. It mediates between the client computers and the network, executing tests and generating reports autonomously, thereby eliminating time loss associated with physical travel between computers.
3Measurement precision
If troubleshooting tools are initiated at the client computer, then connectivity problems can be diagnosed, but the process requires specialized knowledge and manual guidance from network administrators
Solution Approach 1:
The switch automatically executes connectivity tests and analyzes results without requiring user intervention or specialized knowledge. The system performs self-diagnosis by detecting connectivity issues, determining affected clients, and generating troubleshooting information autonomously, making the process easy to operate while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch acts as an intermediary that handles the complexity of troubleshooting operations. It mediates between the simple user interface and the complex diagnostic processes, automatically executing tests and presenting results without requiring users to understand or manually perform the troubleshooting steps.
4Measurement precision
If comprehensive connectivity testing is performed to isolate problems, then accurate problem identification is achieved, but the troubleshooting process becomes lengthy and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The switch continuously monitors network connectivity and maintains log entries about packet transmission and reception. This preliminary action allows the system to have troubleshooting information ready and immediately available when issues occur, eliminating the need for lengthy real-time testing while maintaining accurate problem isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch as an intermediary device performs all troubleshooting functions locally without requiring administrator presence. It mediates between the client computers and the network, executing tests and generating reports autonomously, thereby eliminating time loss associated with physical travel between computers.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for implementing troubleshooting of a network connectivity problem between a client computer coupled to a local switch and an end point on the network utilizes a client_proxy module instantiated on the local switch. The module automatically runs a series of tests utilizing the IP and MAC addresses of the client computer source addresses and reports the results of the tests.