Optimal interconnect utilization in a data processing network

A method for managing packet traffic in a data processing network includes collecting data indicative of the amount of packet traffic traversing each of the links in the network's interconnect. The collected data includes source and destination information indicative of the source and destination of corresponding packets. A heavily used links are then identified from the collected data. Packet data associated with the heavily used link is then analyzed to identify a packet source and packet destination combination that is a significant contributor to the packet traffic on the heavily used link. In response, a process associated with the identified packet source and packet destination combination is migrated, such as to another node of the network, to reduce the traffic on the heavily used link. In one embodiment, an agent installed on each interconnect switch collects the packet data for interconnect links connected to the switch.