Visualize Your Environment with Network Maps

Network visualization—sometimes referred to as graph visualization or link analysis—is the practice of creating visual depictions of connected data. Network visualization is used to identify relationships between disparate data points on a network, which can improve root cause analysis, performance visibility, and make IT teams more efficient. In many cases, network visualization refers to mapping network topology to understand the physical layout and current status of the network. Network visualization can be performed at many scales, whether for in-office devices or for data centers across a continent. 

Network visualization can sometimes be used as a broad term and, besides referring to network mapping, in some cases may refer to the many methods of data correlation. In computer networking, visualization can refer to the process of aggregating data into visual charts and graphs to locate patterns, trends, and correlations between network data. These sorts of connections might otherwise go undetected in text-based formats. 

Network visualization is important because it provides critical visibility into network infrastructure. Leveraging network visualizations can improve efficiency, help with troubleshooting, and offer IT teams flexibility in how they can manipulate what can sometimes be complex data points.  

Compared to spreadsheets, inventory lists, and text-based reports, network visualization—from graphs and charts to topology maps—is generally easier for both admins and those outside the IT team to use and understand. In addition, network visualization is important because it allows IT teams to obtain a more robust knowledge of their networks with real-time, at-a-glance insights into the infrastructure and current performance. If a node is down, the information is available visually, whether on a map or highlighted on a chart. Additionally, IT teams can make better sense of critical information by viewing node-link structures in a visual setting, as this can streamline network analysis and lead to better capacity planning. 

A network visualization tool makes meaningful connections between all devices and data in large networks. A network visualization tool for mapping connects a generated map with real-time status updates from the managed devices, allowing an admin to look at the map and see current performance issues, if they exist. This relies on using a network management program to oversee specific nodes across the network infrastructure, as the tool must be able to access measurements to display the correct information. 

In practice, companies might use network visualization tools to generate interactive ways of identifying bottlenecks and vulnerabilities. Companies can use network visualization tools to create visualizations of packet paths to monitor data flow from devices to services or track the uptime and functioning of network devices more generally. Network visualization tools can also map factors like Wi-Fi signals or turn device data into organized charts and graphs.

For a network topology visualization tool to work, it needs to have access to a database, cloud storage platform, or managed nodes to provide updated network data. Once it connects to these data sources, the software will aggregate data from there and apply it to a graph or chart in a meaningful way. 

Professional grade network visualizers grant users a lot of flexibility in how they want the data to be presented. Sometimes users want to see it laid out geographically—for example, a CTO of a college campus who wants to see how a network looks across a large campus—while others might want the graphs to reflect the logical connections between data points. Some visualization software can even automate the network graphing process by offering preconfigured correlations useful to any organization.

SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor includes many network topology visualization tool capabilities. For one, the Orion Maps tool in NPM is built to create visual relationships of routers, switches, interfaces, volumes, and groups. These maps are designed to update automatically without user intervention. In addition, Network Performance Monitor offers a Network Atlas application IT teams can use to create custom maps and network diagrams. Network Atlas maps are most commonly used for mapping network infrastructure, although some use this feature to map static business services and composite applications. 

Any map you create in NPM can be exported, printed, or easily viewed in the Orion Web Console. SolarWinds NPM network visualization software also offers the option to create Wi-Fi heatmaps, another form of network visualization useful for assessing how your network infrastructure is performing for end users.