A system comprises a topology repository, a SAN manager, and a discovery list. The topology repository stores configuration data of a SAN. The SAN manager, coupled to the repository and discovery list, receives configuration data in response to a request for configuration data from each component in the SAN according to the discovery list; compares the received data to data stored in the repository; updates the repository with the received data if the received data differs from the stored data; and outputs data stored in the repository, the outputted data showing distance between a switch and components coupled to the switch.