1. A method for identifying label switched paths in an MPLS network comprised of a plurality of component nodes, the nodes possessing an identification, at least one input port, at least one output port, and at least one forwarding table containing label swapping entries, the method comprising the steps of: a. representing, on one or more computers, the network by a model comprising: a. a plurality of configuration non-specific first object classes that are representations of types of components associated with the MPLS network; where the configuration non-specific representations of types of components is selected from the group consisting of: LSPTermination, LSPHop, LSP, LSPOutSegment, LSPInSegment; and b. a plurality of configuration non-specific second object classes that are representations of relationships among the representation of types of components associated with the MPLS network; wherein the configuration non-specific representation of relationships among the representation of types of components is selected from the group consisting of: PreviousHop/NextHop, SwitchedFrom/SwitchedTo, FirstHop, Connected PE; b. identifying instances of a first one and a second one of the types of components object class; and c. identifying the label switched paths by traversing the instances of the first and second types of components object classes through select ones of the relationship object classes associated with the first and second type of components object classes.