Automatic Topology Discovery and Virtual Connection Trace for ATM Networks Using SNMP

The topology of an ATM network is referred to as the map of the network consisting of the devices in the network and the connections among them. Network topology information is useful for network administration and planning. For examples, network problems, traffic bottlenecks, and other important information can be shown directly on the topology map such that a network administrator has a clear view of the current status of the network. The current topology information is also useful for planning new configuration when an expansion is needed. Entering the network topology information manually is a tedious task if the number of network devices is large. Therefore, a tool for generating the network topology automatically is desirable. In ATM networks, the values of VPI and VCI have only local significance. It does not explicitly reveal information about the source, destination, and path of the virtual connection. To find the source, destination, and path for the connection, one need to trace the VPIs and VCIs in the ATM switches. A tool for tracing the path of a virtual connection is useful.