Abstract: One embodiment described relates to an automated method of host discovery and path tracing by a network management server. The method includes discovery of a location in the network of a source host, discovery of a location in the network of a destination host, and discovery of a path from the source host to the destination host. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: One embodiment described relates to an automated method of host discovery and path tracing by a network management server. The method includes discovery of a location in the network of a source host, discovery of a location in the network of a destination host, and discovery of a path from the source host to the destination host. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Virtual network properties are displayed in a graphical user interface. Link activity data that describes one or more virtual-network paths is tracked. Each virtual network path data-couples two or more data-transfer components of the network and utilizes rules for restricting data transfer based on specified relations of network switching elements. The link activity data is communicated to a graphical user interface. The activity data is displayed as variable graphical features of components of the graphical user interface, the components configured to indicate the arrangement of the one or more virtual network paths.