Active probe path management

A technique manages paths taken by probe packets sent from a source to a target of a computer network. The novel path management technique enables each probe packet i) to be transferred onto a path of the computer network via a specific exit at the source, ii) to be returned to the source, and iii) to follow a path that closely matches the path followed by user data through the network. Specifically, one or more alternate routing tables are used by the source to select specific exits for the probe packets. Additionally, the source address of the probe packet is configured as a public address (i.e., reachable and used by actual user data traffic) to ensure that the packet is returned to the originating source and follows a path through the computer network that closely matches the path followed by user data traffic.