Research of Physical Topology Discovery in Heterogeneous IP Networks with VLAN

The network topology discovery is the basis of network management. A hierarchical design model which includes access layer, distribution layer and core layer is widely used in a construction of a switched LAN. ¿Layer 3 switching¿ and VLAN is used in equipments from different vendors. This paper proposes an algorithm of physical topology discovery of heterogeneous IP networks with VLAN which is designed and implemented according to hierarchical design model. This algorithm can find the accurate physical topology of heterogeneous IP networks with VLAN.