Abstract: In general, embodiments relate to a method, for managing a network device, that includes obtaining a packet by a network device in the network, making a determination that the packet meets a lifecycle-ending condition, wherein when the packet meets the lifecycle-ending condition the packet is not forwarded from the network device towards a network device associated with a destination internet protocol (IP) address in a header of the packet, based on the determination, performing, by the network device, a packet analysis on the packet to determine an egress interface of the network device associated with the packet, and based on the packet analysis, sending a notification to a network monitoring manager, wherein the notification specifies the egress interface.