Network mapping and visualization#
With the Plixer One Platform (Core or Enterprise), network teams can leverage Scrutinizer’s integrated network mapping functions to create and customize maps that are based on user-defined device groups. These maps are continuously updated in real time, allowing them to function as both a high-level view of network health and a starting point for investigating connectivity issues.
Overview#
When creating a new map in Scrutinizer, users can select between Spatial Maps to fully customize the device layout or Geographical Maps for location-based arrangement.
After a network map is initially generated, it can be further customized/configured at any time. Existing network maps can be viewed from the Monitor > Network Maps page or as dashboard gadgets.
Spatial Maps#
Using the following configuration options, spatial maps can be used to design fully customized topologies to meet different visualization requirements:
Position map objects against custom backgrounds to recreate office layouts, wiring closet connections, and more.
Add custom objects to represent non-exporters, such as external hosts
Define connections between objects (devices, interfaces, and/or custom objects) to indicate static links, display interface utilization, or run a saved report using the connected objects
Add custom utilization thresholds to connections to show overall network health and potential congestion issues
Nest mapping groups within each other and create multi-layered maps to support network segment planning and monitoring
Tailor maps to specific team role or workflow needs and manage access via dashboards and user groups.
Hint
Bulk management functions for mapping objects and groups can be accessed via the Mapping Objects and Mapping Groups pages under Admin > Settings in the web interface.
Geographical Maps#
Object positions in geographical maps are determined by their longitudinal and latitudinal coordinates. Both manual coordinate entry and address lookups via Google Maps are supported.
Hint
Objects can be assigned unique coordinates/addresses for every map/group they are assigned to.
Geographical maps support similar configuration/customization options as spatial maps (except for object positioning and custom backgrounds) and can be used to enhance many of the same workflows. They are also ideal for monitoring the health and performance of geographically segmented networks.
Workflows#
The following workflow(s) are examples of workflow enhancements enabled by Scrutinizer’s live network maps in the Plixer One Platform:
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:
Use a name that matches the coverage of the map (e.g., the entire network).
Assign all applicable devices (routers, firewalls, switches) as map objects.
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.