1. A method for automatically identifying a network path in a network comprising: activating state changes at nodes along a network path, the state changes activated by a bit set in an overhead portion of a signal traveling along the network path, the bit being for purposes other than tracing a path; and correlating the state changes at the nodes in response to the signal to determine link connectivity between nodes to determine the network path, the correlating including comparing timing information of the state changes and expected travel parameters of the signal.