In one embodiment, an agent process produces synthetic packet traffic and iteratively performs a sub-process that determines isolated network segments of the communication channel between intermediate nodes and computes a set of network metrics for the isolated network segments based at least in part on incrementing TTL expiry error data points. The sub-process also encapsulates, for inclusion within the next packet to be sent, a list of intermediate node IDs along the communication channel up to a latest received node ID and computed sets of network metrics for respective network segments. The agent process may then generate, upon termination of the sub-process, a report, the report including the list of intermediate node IDs along the communication channel up to a latest received node ID and computed sets of network metrics for respective network segments.