Network loop detection using known static addresses

A network that permits detection of a network loop problem, the network comprising:

• a selected device;
• a current downstream device;
• and
• a next downstream device;
• wherein the user selects a known static address of the selected device which should normally be detected at not more than one port of a downstream device;
• the user determines if the static address is detected in more than one port in the current downstream device, wherein the current downstream device includes a first port which normally detects the known static address and a second port;
• if the static address is detected at the second port of the current downstream device, then the connection to the second port is determined;
• and if the connection to the second port is a leaf, then the leaf is identified as a misbehaving node, and if the connection to the second port is not a leaf, then a next downstream device is evaluated.