The present invention permits a network operator to maintain a timely view of changes to an operational packet-switched network. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes subscribing to routing protocol messages received from a plurality of network elements participating in a routing protocol in the packet-switched network. Then, the routing protocol messages from the network elements are received without participating in the routing protocol. Subsequently, the method detects deviations from normal operation of the packet-switched network using the routing protocol messages received from the network elements.