Using Mixed and Hybrid TCP Probe Methods in Forward IP Paths Inference

Traceroute-like method is of foundation for inferring forward IP paths that in succession are often used for generating different level Internet topologies. Based on Paris traceroute method of avoiding traceroute anomalies, this paper examines the practical feasibility of inferring forward IP paths by sending mixed TCP packets with other control bit(s) instead of SYN to a set of well-known Web sites. We also provide two kinds of novel evaluation metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of probe methods. Finally, we present a novel kind of methods termed as hybrid TCP probe method, for inferring forward IP paths. We hope this case study broadening ways of forward IP path inference.