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System and method to access and use layer 2 and layer 3 information used in communications

  • US 8,819,271 B2
  • Filed: 05/24/2007
  • Issued: 08/26/2014
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/24/2007
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method of reviewing network information comprising:

  • receiving communication information for a plurality of network elements from routers and switches within a plurality of local area networks, wherein the communication information includes layer 2 information including media access controller identifiers of elements within a network, layer 3 information including network addresses used by the elements within the network, and coupling identifiers corresponding to couplings between different elements within the network;

    storing the communication information;

    determining that a portion of the layer 2 information and the layer 3 information is expected information;

    determining, by utilizing instructions from memory that are executed by a processor, whether a particular piece of the layer 2 and layer 3 information matches a corresponding piece of expected information to identify stored information that is incorrect, and policy violations, wherein the particular piece of the layer 2 and layer 3 information is determined to match the corresponding piece of the expected information when at least a portion of the particular piece of the layer 2 and layer 3 information matches a subset of the corresponding piece of the expected information, wherein the subset includes a description of an expected port name that includes a description of a type of each of the plurality of network elements;

    compiling, if the particular piece of the layer 2 and layer 3 information is determined to not match the corresponding piece of expected information, a list that indicates that the particular piece of the layer 2 and layer 3 information does not match the corresponding piece of the expected information; and

    correcting the communication information if the particular piece of the layer 2 and layer 3 information is determined to not match the corresponding piece of expected information.

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