Topology discovery of hierarchical Ethernet LANs without SNMP support

This paper presents an algorithm that allows for discovery of layer-2 hierarchical Ethernet network topology using agents running on selected end nodes. No SNMP, MIB, hardware, firmware, or operating system-level software modification is required. The method is based on transmission of customized Ethernet frames among installed software agents. It can be used to discover the topology of LAN or one VLAN segment as long as no MAC address filtering is employed. Sample implementation of the discussed algorithm is also proposed.