A method and system for generating multiple self-ID packets that are used for mapping a node topology is disclosed. The node topology is based on a computer system comprised of a high performance serial bus and a plurality of nodes coupled to the serial bus. Each node further includes an identification packet that is utilized for self-identifying itself on a network. In particular, a plurality of self-ID packets associated with the hardware actually present on the bus as well as a plurality of virtual nodes that are not actually present are generated during a self-ID process. Then, these self-ID packets are forwarded over the serial bus to identify themselves to other remaining nodes in the network. Thereafter, a topology mapping table from all of the self-ID packets is generated.