An algorithm for automatic topology discovery of IP networks

A topology discovery algorithm for IP networks is proposed. Topology configuration information can be obtained from various sources including the MIBs in routers and gateways, the Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP), the traceroute program, the Domain Name System (DNS), and etc. In order to retrieve the MIB information in a router, the IP address of the router has to be known. However, the IP addresses of the routers in the network of interest may not be known in advance. This paper presents an algorithm for automatic topology discovery under the situation that the IP addresses of the routers are not known in advance. Detailed implementation techniques for bringing pieces of the information together to produce a topology map are discussed