Abstract: A network of physically linked elements includes at least a first switch, a second switch, and a third element. The third element is caused to transmit a data unit. A first timestamp and a second timestamp are obtained from the first and second switches, respectively. The first timestamp is associated with receipt of the transmitted data unit by the first switch and the second timestamp associated with receipt of the transmitted data unit by the second switch. The first timestamp and the second timestamp are compared. Based on the comparison, a determination is made that the first switch is physically located between the third element and the second switch.

Abstract: A network of physically linked elements includes at least a first switch, a second switch, and a third element. The third element is caused to transmit a data unit. A first timestamp and a second timestamp are obtained from the first and second switches, respectively. The first timestamp is associated with receipt of the transmitted data unit by the first switch and the second timestamp associated with receipt of the transmitted data unit by the second switch. The first timestamp and the second timestamp are compared. Based on the comparison, a determination is made that the first switch is physically located between the third element and the second switch.

Abstract: Machine logic (for example, software) that performs the following steps: (i) providing a system including a first hypervisor and a first topology agent; (ii) running the topology agent on the hypervisor; (iii) dynamically creating a first unique address for the first topology agent; and (iv) storing the first unique address in a set of forwarding database (FDB) table(s) located on a set of network switch(es). Also, lightweight mechanisms on network switches for finding and/or clearing media access controller (MAC) addresses from FDB tables.

Abstract: A network of physically linked elements includes at least a first switch, a second switch, and a third element. The third element is caused to transmit a data unit. A first timestamp and a second timestamp are obtained from the first and second switches, respectively. The first timestamp is associated with receipt of the transmitted data unit by the first switch and the second timestamp associated with receipt of the transmitted data unit by the second switch. The first timestamp and the second timestamp are compared. Based on the comparison, a determination is made that the first switch is physically located between the third element and the second switch.

Abstract: A network of physically linked elements includes at least a first switch, a second switch, and a third element. The third element is caused to transmit a data unit. A first timestamp and a second timestamp are obtained from the first and second switches, respectively. The first timestamp is associated with receipt of the transmitted data unit by the first switch and the second timestamp associated with receipt of the transmitted data unit by the second switch. The first timestamp and the second timestamp are compared. Based on the comparison, a determination is made that the first switch is physically located between the third element and the second switch.

Abstract: A tool for dynamically naming network ports and switch ports in a chassis. The tool retrieves, by one or more computer processors, chassis specifications of the chassis. The tool retrieves, by one or more computer processors, identifying information for components of the chassis. The tool determines, by one or more computer processors, a plurality of network ports and a plurality of switch ports within the chassis not assigned an alternative port name. The tool constructs, by one or more computer processors, alternative port names for the plurality of network ports and the plurality of switch ports within the chassis not assigned an alternative port name.

Abstract: Machine logic (for example, software) that performs the following steps: (i) providing a system including a first hypervisor and a first topology agent; (ii) running the topology agent on the hypervisor; (iii) dynamically creating a first unique address for the first topology agent; and (iv) storing the first unique address in a set of forwarding database (FDB) table(s) located on a set of network switch(es). Also, lightweight mechanisms on network switches for finding and/or clearing media access controller (MAC) addresses from FDB tables.

Abstract: A tool for dynamically naming network ports and switch ports in a chassis. The tool retrieves, by one or more computer processors, chassis specifications of the chassis. The tool retrieves, by one or more computer processors, identifying information for components of the chassis. The tool determines, by one or more computer processors, a plurality of network ports and a plurality of switch ports within the chassis not assigned an alternative port name. The tool constructs, by one or more computer processors, alternative port names for the plurality of network ports and the plurality of switch ports within the chassis not assigned an alternative port name.

Abstract: A tool for dynamically naming network ports and switch ports in a chassis. The tool retrieves, by one or more computer processors, chassis specifications of the chassis. The tool retrieves, by one or more computer processors, identifying information for components of the chassis. The tool determines, by one or more computer processors, a plurality of network ports and a plurality of switch ports within the chassis not assigned an alternative port name. The tool constructs, by one or more computer processors, alternative port names for the plurality of network ports and the plurality of switch ports within the chassis not assigned an alternative port name.

Abstract: A tool for dynamically naming network ports and switch ports in a chassis. The tool retrieves, by one or more computer processors, chassis specifications of the chassis. The tool retrieves, by one or more computer processors, identifying information for components of the chassis. The tool determines, by one or more computer processors, a plurality of network ports and a plurality of switch ports within the chassis not assigned an alternative port name. The tool constructs, by one or more computer processors, alternative port names for the plurality of network ports and the plurality of switch ports within the chassis not assigned an alternative port name.