System for determining network connection availability between source and destination devices for specified time period

摘要

Availability of a computer network is determined by analyzing specific pairs of source/destination devices in the network and alternative paths between them. The topology of the network is analyzed so as to determine all paths between the devices and the availability of devices on each path is determined. If any one alternative path is available, this is included in the determination of network availability. Further, a relative weight may be assigned to various devices/paths on the network depending on usage or other parameters. The availability information is then presented in the format of a report card where specific source/destination pairs and the paths therebetween are chosen as indicia of the network's availability.