Method and apparatus for discovering network devices using internet protocol and producing a corresponding graphical network map

摘要: A method and apparatus for discovering, identifying graphically representing network devices on a network. The are discovered by obtaining the gateway address of management workstations then reading internet protocol table ARP cache from each via SNMP. Each read is compared with existing IP addresses, if new, device IDs created assigned. Select attributes assigned to identified. identified making DNS request corresponding determine name device. SNMP obtains system object ID (OID) devices. OID matched known OIDs identify connected laid out creating submap based mask pairs routers connected, bridges finally repeaters connected. Interface-level port-level detailed connections determined comparing MAC routing/ARP entries in case router, forwarding database switch/bridge, or repeater/hub.