Cross-layer link discovery

The present disclosure generally discloses a cross-layer link discovery capability configured to support discovery of cross-layer links of a communication network. The cross-layer link discovery capability may be configured to support discovery of cross-layer links between packet network elements and optical network elements of a communication network. The cross-layer link discovery capability may be configured to support automated and reliable discovery of cross-layer links between ports of packet network elements and ports of optical network elements of a communication network. The cross-layer link discovery capability may be configured to support discovery of cross-layer links between ports of packet network elements and ports of optical network elements based on various port matching techniques, such as port classification, port isolation based on port identification, port isolation based on port probing (e.g., active probing, passive probing based on traffic migration, passive probing based on traffic injection, or other port probing types), or the like.