System and method for detecting a network loop

摘要

A system and methods of detecting a loop in a network having at least one access point with a first interface and a second interface, at least one switch with multiple ports, and at least one client with a first interface and a second interface, including: the access point first interface intermittently transmitting a loop check packet to the switch; the switch receiving the loop check packet at one of the ports and transmitting the loop check packet to the client through another one of the ports; the client first interface receiving the loop check packet; the client second interface retransmitting the loop check packet to the access point; and the access point second interface being configured to receive the retransmitted loop check packet. The access point detects a loop when the access point second interface receives the retransmitted loop check packet. Other embodiments eliminate the loops in various ways.