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Abstract

A network topology discovery method automatically recognizes the physical connection relationships of each ATM switch and each ATM terminal within an ATM network. Each ATM switch and ATM terminal mutually exchanges, by ILMI protocol, port identifiers that identify every ATM port of the ATM switch or ATM terminal as well as network addresses of network management agents that manage the ATM switch and the ATM terminal, to neighboring ATM switches and ATM terminals that are directly connected to its ports. Each ATM switch and ATM terminal stores tables for each of its ATM ports that include port identifiers which indicate the identities of connected ports as well as the network addresses of the network management agents that manage the neighboring ATM switches and ATM terminals. The ATM switches or ATM terminals automatically recognize the local connection relationships with its neighboring ATM switches or ATM terminals, using a network management system, by accessing connection information and then automatically recognizing the physical connection relationships of each ATM switch and each ATM terminal. The network management system recognizes the configuration within an ATM network, whether the network management system is inside or outside the ATM network, including when a router or existing LAN coexists with the ATM network. The identities of ports connected to each port are recognized, when a plurality of links exist between ATM switches, without requiring the assignment of a respective one of its ATM network management agents to each ATM switch. Interfaces between ATM switches as well as between an ATM switch and an ATM terminal are also automatically identified.

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