Mapping your network

To streamline NOC workflows in their growing environment, the team decides that they need a visual representation of the network and critical applications.

Workflow

To set up the new map, navigate to Monitor > Network Maps and create a new Spatial Map:

1. Use a name that matches the coverage of the map (e.g., the entire network).

2. Assign all applicable devices (routers, firewalls, switches) as map objects.

3. Link devices as necessary by creating Connections. Connections can be static lines, interface representations, or saved Reports.

   Hint

   When a saved Report is used as a Connection, it will represent the traffic aggregated by the Report. This can be anything from a layer 7 application (e.g., YouTube) to firewall events from a Cisco ASA. In the latter case, the Connection will typically be grayed out (inactive), and can serve to quickly alert the network team when it becomes active.

If the network topography changes at a later time, the map can be updated to reflect the changes.

For larger networks, such as those that span multiple locations, it may be ideal to create smaller maps representing individual network segments and nest them under a larger map as objects. This will create a “global” map with a hub-and-spoke layout.