Abstract: A system and method for dynamically determining the physical connection topology between diverse network elements (DNEs) within a communication network. Each DNE is audited on a periodic basis to determine the arrangement, configuration, cross-connection, and alarm status of each communication port within each DNE in the communications network. A topology database is maintained with such baseline information. Each DNE is configured with at least one mismatched port. Mismatched ports are cross-connected with communication ports within DNEs so that signal mismatch alarms are generated by communication ports coupled with the mismatched ports in other DNEs. Signal mismatch alarms are collected and processed so that connectivity status may be derived based on the baseline data, expected alarms, and the receipt of such alarms or lack thereof. A topology database is continuously updated to reflect such derived information.