I already have a Python utility that spins up network interfaces automatically, but I need a safety net before any interface files are written. The new step is a hardware-level compatibility check focused on physical port mapping. In practice, the script must look at the network card that is actually present, discover its port layout (using a lightweight custom helper that can query sysfs, ethtool or lshw), compare that against the mapping the program plans to use, and either fix the mapping on the fly or stop with a clear, logged error. Subnet, gateway and DNS logic are handled elsewhere, so keep your attention on the ports themselves. No third-party binaries, just Python and minimal shell helpers that ship with most Linux distributions. Deliverables • Revised Python module that plugs into my existing workflow and runs the port-mapping check before any interface is created • Concise README and usage notes • Tests proving the script identifies a bad mapping and handles at least two NIC models that I will make available Once the script correctly blocks or adjusts an intentionally mismatched setup in my lab, the job is done.