Abstract
Layer 2 Traceback is an important component of end-to-end packet traceback. Whilst IP Traceback identifies the origin network, Layer 2 Traceback extends the process to provide a more fine-grained result. Other known proposals have exposed the difficulties of Layer 2 Traceback in switched ethernet. We build on our earlier ``switch-SPIE'' and improve in a number of dimensions. Memory requirements are decreased by maintaining `connection records' rather than logging all frames. Our switchport resolution algorithm provides error detection by correlating MAC address table values from two adjacent switches. Our solution also takes stock of potential transformations to packet data as this leaves the local network. We have implemented the core algorithm and used data from available WAN traces to demonstrate the potential memory efficiency of our approach.
Keywords
IP Traceback, Layer 2 Traceback, switched Ethernet traceback, network data retention, network accountability, EU 2006/24/EC.
COTraSE: Connection Oriented Traceback in Switched Ethernet
Journal of Information Assurance and Security Vol. 4, Issue 2, pp 91-105
Dynamic Publishers Inc., USA, 2009
Notes : A preliminary version of this paper was presented at IAS 2008. In this article we outline our L2 Traceback system requirements and explain how COTraSE improves over our earlier switch-SPIE system. We provide supplementary details of the WAN trace data used by our implementation and expand on the calculation of COTraSE memory requirements. We also provide additional background material to aid the reader, including a discussion of the related Netflow system. In particular we consider how the flow expiration mechanisms adopted by Netflow differ from those of COTraSE and how this affects L2 Traceback.
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