Network topology mapping for correctly configuring clustered networks

A system for configuring a clustered network based on a physical network topology of the clustered network, the system comprising:

• multiple nodes;
• an endpoint investigator stored in memory, the endpoint investigator being executable on each of the multiple nodes to:
• determine configuration data for an associated node of the multiple nodes, the configuration data identifying a connection type between the associated node and each device connected to the associated node, the connection type being a switched or a switchless connection;
• and
• publish the configuration data determined for the associated node to a location mutually accessible by the multiple nodes;
• a topology map generator stored in memory and executable to generate a map of the physical network topology of the clustered network based on the configuration data generated by the multiple nodes, the map of the physical network topology identifying the multiple nodes and existing connectivity channels between the multiple nodes in the clustered network;
• and
• a configuration diagnostic tool stored in memory and executable to use the map of the physical network topology to:
• determine a correct logical layer configuration for the clustered network;
• and
• configure an aspect of the clustered network to match the correct logical layer configuration.

A tangible computer-readable storage media encoding computer-executable instructions for executing a computer process, the computer process comprising:

• at each node of multiple nodes in a clustered network:
• accessing configuration data identifying a connection type between the node and each one or more other devices connected to the node, the connection type being either a switched or switchless connection;
• publishing the configuration data determined at each of the multiple nodes to a location mutually accessible by other nodes in the clustered network;
• generating a map of physical network topology of the clustered network based on the published configuration data generated by the multiple nodes, the map of physical network topology identifying the multiple nodes and existing connectivity channels between the multiple nodes in the clustered network;
• using the map of the physical network topology to determine a correct complete configuration for the clustered network;
• and
• present a suggested alteration to an existing network configuration to a user, the suggested alteration being effective to alter the existing network configuration to match the determined correct configuration for the clustered network.