Techniques for automated network map generation using SNMP

Network configuration information is useful in producing a visual map of the network complete in all details. The visual map is an essential component for network management and operations. It is also possible to generate an inventory report of a network. The inventory report describes the nodes, networks, interfaces, addresses, protocols, speeds, etc. and is a valuable component for network planning and administration. Unfortunately, network management is severely constrained in scope and effectiveness by the lack of any organized pool of network configuration information. We present results of our efforts to develop tools and techniques for automatically and mechanically synthesizing network configuration related information from the Internet. These techniques, we believe, will be instrumental in, generating the pool of network configuration information.