Method for describing and comparing data center physical and logical topologies and device configurations

摘要

A method for describing and comparing data center physical and logical topologies and device configurations. The present invention compares a stored expected network infrastructure description with a current network infrastructure description gathered through the use of monitoring agents. The infrastructure descriptions are compared to discover any differences between the expected infrastructure and the current infrastructure. Devices in the current infrastructure which are configured differently, added, or missing from the expected infrastructure description are listed as well as changes to the logical topology of the current network. The present invention facilitates monitoring the network infrastructure and detecting unauthorized changes or access to the network.