Follow the path to the access port
MAC lookups follow trunk and uplink ports through neighboring switches. The result includes the switch-and-port path, VLAN, and interface details, with loop detection, hop limits, and timeouts bounding the search.
Switchback
Find a device’s access port, trace its path through Cisco switches, and map the network from one troubleshooting workspace.
01 / 03Network topology
Follow switch relationships on a topology map, with interface labels and discovery progress. Fictional demonstration network.
The idea
Finding where a device connects can mean following MAC tables and uplinks across several switches. Troubleshooting gets harder when topology, configuration history, and maintenance tools all live in separate places.
What went into it
Switchback brings a React interface together with a Python and FastAPI backend and Netmiko-based SSH operations. It traces MAC addresses to access ports, discovers CDP neighbors, builds interactive topology maps, and brings configuration backups, audits, and IOS-XE maintenance into the same workspace.
Design & engineering decisions
Make discovery explorable
A seed switch and configurable discovery depth define the map. Operators can search nodes, inspect interface labels, rearrange the graph, and export the topology for reference.
Use the configuration history
Per-switch backups, comparisons, and search help explain changes. Network summaries make VLAN and layer-three inventory visible from saved configurations.
Keep maintenance deliberate
The upgrade workflow separates staging, activation, validation, and the final commit or rollback decision. Flash cleanup begins with a read-only analysis and protects running, booted, and staged images.