Route topology discovery in data networks
A system and method for performing topology discovery in a data network is provided. Network elements utilizing a distance-vector protocol, such as EIGRP, advertises routes and metric information. A resource control point or other element analyzes the advertised routes and metrics and determines the nexthop, thereby providing a topology map of the network.
1. A system for performing topology discovery, comprising:
a network comprising a plurality of routers; and
a resource control point;
wherein the resource control point is configured to initiate sessions with the plurality of routers, wherein the sessions indicate that the resource control point does not participate in routing;
wherein the resource control point is further configured to receive routes from the plurality of routers, each route including metric information;
wherein the resource control point is further configured to resolve nexthops of the routes based upon the metric information;
wherein the resource control point is further configured to save the routes in a routing table at the resource control point;
wherein the resource control point is further configured to receive information regarding removal of a first route of the routes;
wherein the resource control point is further configured to remove the first route from the routing table;
wherein the resource control point is further configured to resolve nexthops of the routes after the removing the first route.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the resource control point is further configured, prior to removing the first route, to determine whether the first route matches a resolved route in the routing table.
3. A method of performing topology discovery, the method comprising:
initiating, by a resource control point, sessions with a plurality of routers within a network, wherein the sessions indicate that the resource control point does not participate in routing;
receiving routes from the plurality of routers by the resource control point, each route including metric information; and
resolving nexthops of the routes based upon the metric information;
saving the routes in a routing table at the resource control point;
receiving information regarding removal of a first route of the routes;
determining if the first route matches a resolved route in the routing table and, if the first route matches a resolved route in the routing table, removing the first route from the routing table; and
resolving nexthops of the routes after the removing the first route.