Topology discovery algorithm for ethernet networks with incomplete information based on VLAN

Abstract

To manage Ethernet networks efficiently, detailed and accurate knowledge of their topology is needed, like network partition, performance prediction are based on network topology. In this paper, we proposed an algorithm to discover physical layout topology structure of Ethernet networks with incomplete address forwarding table information. This algorithm can handle both layer-2 switches with VLAN and layer-3 switches. We have implemented our algorithm in networks of some universities, and it works well in these networks divided by VLAN.