Network mapping overview

Plixer Scrutinizer’s integrated network mapping functions allow users to create dynamic, highly-customizable topology visualizations that can greatly enhance network monitoring and management workflows.

Network maps can be created as one of two types:

  • Spatial maps allow map objects to be manually positioned in any layout. Custom connections, objects, and backgrounds (e.g., wiring cabinet, office floor plan, etc.) can also be used to increase the level of detail.

  • Geographical maps use the longitudinal and latitudinal coordinates associated with map objects to automatically position them on a global map. Geomaps can help identify devices with issues, even when there are multiple topologies dispersed across different physical locations. Coordinates can be entered via the mapping object management view.

Existing maps can be viewed from the main Network Maps page and/or added to dashboards.

Important

  • Geographical maps require a Google Maps browser API key, which can be entered in the options tray of the mapping group management view.

  • Access to the Internet is required for Google Maps geolocation requests. If Plixer Scrutinizer is unable to reach the Internet normally, a Google Maps proxy server can be configured under Admin > Settings > Google Maps Proxy Server.

Mapping/map groups

Network maps are populated by assigning objects to mapping groups. Maps/groups can be created from either the main Network Maps page or the mapping group management view.

Groups are populated as part of creating a new map, but they can also be manually defined from the mapping group management view.

Note

Mapping groups are a separate grouping scheme from IP groups.

Object membership for existing groups can be modified at any time, and the map will automatically be updated the next time it refreshes.

For further details on mapping groups, see the page on mapping group management.

Mapping/map objects

Each mapping group can contain any number of objects of the following types:

Map objects can be added or reconfigured while in map edit mode (objects assigned to current map/group only) or from the mapping object management view.

For further details on mapping objects, see the page on mapping object management.

Connections

Connections are used to add links between objects in network maps and can serve the following functions:

  • Show basic association between objects

  • Display status/activity between interfaces

  • Run a saved report for the connected objects

Each map can be configured with any number of connections, allowing users to tailor maps to their monitoring needs.

To learn more about adding and configuring connections, see this section.