Patent ID: 9444766
Filing Date: 2016-09-13
CPC Classification: H04L

Claim Text:
1. A method for use in a communications source network node for identifying a destination port associated with a destination network node to which a selected network link is connected, said method comprising: receiving, by said source network node, a user's selection of a source port for interrogation as to the destination of the network link, wherein said user selection of said source port for interrogation comprises one of a predetermined command input via a user interface, and an operation of a switch associated with said source port; creating an address resolution layer (ARP) protocol packet and inserting a predetermined identifier of said source port as a protocol type; transmitting said protocol packet via said source port; receiving said protocol packet at said destination network node via said selected network link connected to said destination port associated with said destination network node; inspecting, by said destination network node, said protocol packet for said predetermined identifier; and if said predetermined identifier is present in said protocol packet then outputting an indication that said identifier has been received comprising an identification of said destination port via which said packet was received by illuminating a destination switch associated with said destination port, or by an output provided via a user interface of a network interface controller associated with said destination port.