Using timestamps to analyze network topologies

A computer program product for analyzing topology within a network of physically linked elements, the network of physically linked elements including at least a first switch, a second switch, and a third element, the computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, the program instructions executable by a computer to cause the computer to perform a method comprising:

• causing the third element to transmit a data unit;
• obtaining a first timestamp from the first switch and a second timestamp from the second switch, the first timestamp associated with receipt of the transmitted data unit by the first switch and the second timestamp associated with receipt of the transmitted data unit by the second switch;
• comparing the first timestamp and the second timestamp;
• and
• determining, based on the comparing, that the first switch is physically located between the third element and the second switch.

A system comprising:

• a network of physically linked elements, the network of physically linked elements including at least a first switch, a second switch, and a third element;
• a computer including a memory and a processor in communication with the memory;
• and
• a topology management module for analyzing topology with the network, the topology management module running on the computer and configured to:
• cause the third element to transmit a data unit;
• obtain a first timestamp from the first switch and a second timestamp from the second switch, the first timestamp associated with receipt of the transmitted data unit by the first switch and the second timestamp associated with receipt of the transmitted data unit by the second switch;
• compare the first timestamp and the second timestamp;
• and
• determine, based on the comparing, that the first switch is physically located between the third element and the second switch.