Cooperative proxy auto-discovery and connection interception

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform a method of probing for devices on a network path, the method comprising:

• monitoring, at a first probe node in the network path, packets directed at a target client and apparently from a target server to detect packets containing return signals, wherein the return signal is an indication that the device at a second probe node has detected a previously sent presence signal as being a probing signal;
• upon determining that a return signal is responsive to a previously sent presence signal, storing information associated with the second probe node at the first probe node;
• and
• using the stored information in future communications between the target client and the target server.

An apparatus for probing for devices on a network path, the apparatus comprising:

• a processor;
• a monitoring mechanism configured to monitor, at a first probe node in the network path, packets directed at a target client and apparently from a target server to detect packets containing return signals, wherein the return signal is an indication that the device at a second probe node has detected a previously sent presence signal as being a probing signal;
• a storage mechanism configured to store information associated with the second probe node at the first probe node upon determining that a return signal is responsive to a previously sent presence signal;
• and
• a usage mechanism configured to use the stored information in future communications between the target client and the target server.