IPv6 network topology discovery method based on novel graph mapping algorithms

Abstract

As a crucial function of network management, network topology discovery provides a basis for lots of network analysis, such as network monitoring and performance management, etc. With the undergoing deployment of IPv6, the importance of precise topology discovery method in IPv6 networks becomes more and more evident. However, IPv6 network topology discovery faces new challenges due to different characteristics between IPv4 and IPv6, and the lack of well support of IPv6 related MIBs from device manufacturers in current state. At present, there are no well-accepted topology discovery methods for pure IPv6 networks with high accuracy, high coverage and less reliance on network configuration and device support. In this paper, we propose an IPv6 network topology discovery solution combining the advantages of two discovery methods, based on ICMP and routing protocol respectively. We model the mapping process of topology results from the two methods above into a graph mapping problem, which is the key point of the entire solution, and design novel mapping algorithms. We focus on the mapping coverage and accuracy and validate the mapping algorithms by large scale simulation. We also implement and test the proposed algorithms on the real network CERNET2. The experiments and simulation results verify the practicability and excellent performance of our solutions, with 100% discovery accuracy and over 99% discovery coverage while spending less time and producing lower overhead.