Importance

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Abstract

A system and method are provided for internet-based network topology discovery. A server in communication with a client, the server having a console having a managing device is provided to manage one or more network devices. A search engine is provided that is in communication with the managing device via a network including the Internet, the search engine capable of being accessed via the client. The console is used to formulate an Extensible Markup Language (XML) discovery information query, wherein the XML discovery information query is initiated automatically by the client. The console is further to send the XML discovery information query to the search engine to facilitate searching of discovery information relevant to the one or more network devices, wherein at least one of the one or more network devices includes an XML discovery information file, wherein at least one of the one or more network devices does not include the XML discovery information file. In response to sending the XML discovery information query, the console to receive one or more of the following via the search engine: first discovery information from the one or more network devices having the XML discovery information file, and second discovery information from a proxy device for the one or more network devices not including the XML discovery information files. The console is further used to generate a network topology map for the one or more network devices via the retrieved first and second discovery information.

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First Claim