network-topology-discovery

Network topology mapping using CDP and LLDP involves iteratively collecting neighbor data from a seed device, correlating MAC and ARP tables, and verifying bilateral links to build a unified L2/L3 adjacency graph across Cisco, Juniper, and Arista environments.

Discovering L2 and L3 adjacency from a seed device requires applying an iterative workflow that collects CDP/LLDP neighbors, MAC tables, and routing information, expanding outward to map the full topology and correlate L3 subnets.

Yes, building a live network topology map requires SSH or console access to devices. This access enables the collection of CDP/LLDP data, MAC tables, ARP tables, and routing information needed for bilateral link verification.

Yes, topology discovery supports VRF contexts across Cisco, Juniper, and Arista devices. This allows accurate L2 and L3 adjacency mapping and routing domain analysis within isolated network segments.

Yes, MAC and ARP table correlation is used alongside CDP/LLDP neighbor data to verify physical links. This bilateral link verification ensures the consolidated topology map accurately reflects active network connections.

When CDP or LLDP is disabled, topology discovery relies on MAC and ARP table correlation alongside routing information to infer adjacency, though bilateral link verification becomes less precise without direct neighbor protocol data.