In one embodiment, a network analysis process initiates network path analysis for a transaction application operating over a logical transaction path having a first segment from a first set of transaction servers to a load balancer and a second segment then to a second set of transaction servers. The network path analysis, when for the second segment, comprises: selecting a receiving transaction server of the second set of transaction servers; identifying a TCP session associated with the transaction application already in progress to the receiving transaction server; initiating a TCP traceroute using ACK packets, whose signature matches the in-progress TCP session, from the receiving transaction server to the load balancer; and determining, in reverse, a network path of layer-3 segments and associated network metrics between the receiving transaction server and the load balancer. Specific layer-3 segments of the network path causing performance degradation of the transaction application are then identifiable.