Using spanning tree protocol (STP) to enhance layer-2 network topology maps

A computer program for forming a topology mapping, the computer program embodied on a non-transitory computer-readable medium configured to control a processor to perform:

• mapping a topology of a network;
• collecting layer-2 address mapping table from the topology mapping;
• collecting Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) data;
• collecting address translation tables (ARP) from nodes discovered in the mapping;
• identifying switches, based on the nodes that return data, using layer-2 address tables;
• and
• correlating STP data, wherein the correlating comprises
• comparing data in the switches,
• identifying switch ports directly connected to other switch ports,
• eliminating direct switch-to-switch port connections from consideration for further layer-2 node mappings,
• locating entries for a switch in an associated STP table,
• for the switch, comparing a base bridge address with a designated bridge address,
• comparing the base bridge address with a neighbor's designated bridge address,
• finding a layer-2 address corresponding to an address of the neighbors port,
• when no neighbors port layer-2 address is found, creating a synthetic entry,
• storing neighbor switch node comprising either said found layer-2 address or said synthetic entry, and
• invalidating other layer-2 addresses in said switch.

An apparatus for discovering an network topology, the apparatus comprising:

• a server configured to:
• map a topology of a network;
• collect layer-2 address mapping table from the topology mapping;
• collect Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) data;
• collect address translation tables (ARP) from nodes discovered in the mapping;
• identify switches, based on the nodes that return data, using layer-2 address tables;
• and
• correlate STP data, wherein the server, when correlating the STP data, is further configured to compare data in the switches,
• identify switch ports directly connected to other switch ports,
• eliminate direct switch-to-switch port connections from consideration for further layer-2 node mappings,
• locate entries for a switch in an associated STP table,
• for the switch, comparing a base bridge address with a designated bridge address,
• compare the base bridge address with a neighbor's designated bridge address,
• find a layer-2 address corresponding to an address of the neighbors port,
• when no neighbors port layer-2 address is found, create a synthetic entry,
• storage configured to store neighbor switch node comprising either said found layer-2 address or said synthetic entry, and
• invalidate other layer-2 addresses in said switch.