Determining a persistent network identity of a networked device

A first network device comprising:

• a first cache memory storing real-time networked device profile information;
• a second cache memory storing historical networked device profile information;
• at least one processor;
• and
• a memory comprising instructions executable by the at least one processor to:
• receive a request for device profile information associated with a second network device, wherein the request includes an identifier corresponding to the second network device, the identifier being partial or valid for a limited period of time;
• determine if the request is for current device profile information or historical device profile information;
• in response to the request for current device profile information, search the first cache memory to retrieve a persistent network identity corresponding to the second network device based on the identifier, wherein the persistent network identity is valid beyond the limited period of time;
• in response to the request for historical device profile information, search the second cache memory to determine the persistent network identity corresponding to the second network device based on the identifier and a timestamp corresponding to a past time interval;
• and
• respond to the request for device profile information with the persistent network identity.