Systems and methods for discovering network topology
US8352632B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 26, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jan 8, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 12, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L41/0866
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method for determining network topology of a provider network includes selecting a first network element, selecting a first port on the first network element, and iteratively performing connectivity validation tests using the first port, wherein each connectivity validation test is associated with a type of network element and yields a result that indicates whether a second port on a second network element of the associated type is connected to the first port. A system for discovering topology of a network, the system comprising a topology discovery engine in operable communication with a near network element and operable to identify a first port of a far network element that is connected to a second port of the near network element by remotely altering operation of the near network element to cause the second network element to respond in a manner that identifies the first port.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.