Introduced here are techniques for modeling networks in a discrete manner. More specifically, various embodiments concern a virtual machine that collects data regarding a network and applies algorithms to the data to discover network elements, which can be used to discover the topology of the network and model the network. The algorithms applied by the virtual machine may also recognize patterns within the data corresponding to naming schemes, subnet structures, application logic, etc. In some embodiments, the algorithms employ artificial intelligence techniques in order to more promptly respond to changes in the data. The virtual machine may only have read-only access to certain objects residing within the network. For example, the virtual machine may be able to examine information hosted by a directory server, but the virtual machine may not be able to effect any changes to the information.