A Practical Approach for Network Topology Discovery

This paper proposes a practical approach for discovering the network topology within an administrative domain. Two discovery algorithms, network layer discovery algorithm and link layer discovery algorithm, are presented in the paper. Network layer discovery algorithm generates the network layer topology within the domain which displays the relationship among subnets. Because the devices and their interconnections in a subnet can not be realized in network layer topological map, a link layer discovery algorithm is necessary proposed to grasp the details within a subnet. Through these two algorithms, a complete and accurate network topological map within an administrative domain is presented. In the process of generating network topological map, a topological database is provided for information reuse; in consequence, our approach is capable of integrating into the network management system. Finally, a feasibility report is included by demonstrating the topological map generation in the local LAN environment.