Methods and devices for discovering the topology of large multi-subnet LANs
First Claim
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1. A method for determining the topology of a multi-subnet, heterogeneous network comprising the steps of:
- forming a preliminary topology based on address forwarding table (AFT) information obtained from one or more network elements (NEs) through SNMP queries; and
identifying one or more NEs that do not respond to SNMP queries and NEs adjacent to the identified NEs, wherein the identified NEs are used to form a final topology.
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Abstract
The physical topology of large, heterogeneous Ethernet LANs that may include multiple subnets may be discovered utilizing Management Information Base (MIB) information. Topology discovery tools and network management systems are introduced to carry out the topological discovery methods, features and functions of the present invention.
58 Citations
26 Claims
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1. A method for determining the topology of a multi-subnet, heterogeneous network comprising the steps of:
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forming a preliminary topology based on address forwarding table (AFT) information obtained from one or more network elements (NEs) through SNMP queries; and
identifying one or more NEs that do not respond to SNMP queries and NEs adjacent to the identified NEs, wherein the identified NEs are used to form a final topology. - View Dependent Claims (2)
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3. A method for determining the topology of a multi-subnet heterogeneous network comprising the steps of:
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determining one or more connecting trees representing nodes in a subnet using address forwarding table (AFT) information;
forming skeleton-trees representing the connecting trees;
iteratively merging one or more pairs of skeleton trees, each tree associated with a common anchor node, to obtain a complete topology. - View Dependent Claims (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A device for determining the topology of a multi-subnet, heterogeneous network operable to:
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form a preliminary topology based on address forwarding table (AFT) information obtained from one or more network elements (NEs) through SNMP queries; and
identify one or more NEs that do not respond to SNMP queries and NEs adjacent to the identified NEs, wherein the identified NEs are used to form a final topology. - View Dependent Claims (14)
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15. A device for determining the topology of a multi-subnet heterogeneous network operable to:
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determine one or more connecting trees representing nodes in a subnet using address forwarding table (AFT) information;
form skeleton-trees representing the connecting trees; and
iteratively merge one or more pairs of skeleton trees, each tree associated with a common anchor node, to obtain a complete topology. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification