A system and method for using network asset management data including device type, location, and link speed for modeling network performance and identifying performance issues. Functionally complete mathematical characterization of a system may be employed to create a system for problem recognition and resolution, wherein disruptive changes to physical and logical system components are only performed when necessary. Mathematical analysis of pings, MIB, and other asset data may be performed separately and the results compared to "self-check", form, and verify the complete mathematical characterization of a network system. The invention may provide projections of performance impacts based upon proposed changes to components in the network. Performance metrics, ping times, MIB data, link speeds, propagation delays, device latency, serialization rates, conversational speeds, conversational utilization and other data are used to model a network for determining or isolating problematic issues and to forecast performance impacts of potential changes to the network.