A network node discovery method allows multiple enumerators to concurrently accept and interpret the same enumeration responses from responder nodes on a network. In this manner, the responder nodes do not have to issue individual responses for each enumerator. Each responder maintains a discovery state and one or more per-enumerator session states to manage when the responder should transmit enumeration responses. The enumeration, therefore, proceeds at a target network load, irrespective of the number of enumerators present, and completes in a short time by making efficient use of the network capacity available. Furthermore, an enumerator can determine that it need only wait for responses solicited by other enumerators, rather than requesting them, thereby reducing network traffic in the presence of many concurrently enumerating nodes.
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