A Dynamic Diagram is the next generation of network diagramming.  Our dynamic diagramming software automatically builds network diagrams from underlying data-models.  Unlike traditional diagrams where the icons have no meaning and act as simple place holders, Dynamic Diagrams contain data-rich Smart Objects, which enables the diagram to update itself when live network changes.  The information stored within the diagram allows you to easily access all data and quickly understand the network you are dealing with directly from the diagram itself.

You create dynamic network diagrams interactively inside NetBrain.  It often starts with a few simple inputs such as entering an IP address in search dialog or defining two end points for a traffic flow.  The underlying data model will create the dynamic diagram immediately and you can then interactively shape it to what you want.  A network diagram with hundreds of nodes and thousands of details may be created with one-click.  The following example illustrates one method to create and use an instant diagram:

During the creation of a dynamic network diagram, NetBrain makes guided inferences about the user’s intentions to facilitate the automated process.  One example of this inference is the type of network map.

The L3 network map illustrates the L3 topology and L3 network design such as IP routing and traffic filtering.

The L2 network map describes switch-level details and the VLAN related design.

Below is an example of each type:

L3 Dynamic Network Diagram Example

L2 Dynamic Network Diagram Example

The following are commonly used methods to build dynamic network diagrams instantly.

1. Extending Neighbor Hop-by-Hop (L2 &L3) From any device in the map, click the to open the dynamic neighbor dialog.  Then double-click any entry you want to map out.  Repeat the procedure for the next-hop device until all devices you wanted are in the map. View Video
2. Point A to Point B Traffic Path (L2 & L3) Enter an IP address or host name in the “A” box and “B” box to map out the live or historic traffic path. View Video Requires: Consultant Edition or Operator Edition
3. Map Trace Route (L3) Copy the trace route data from any source and paste to NetBrain to map the traffic flow. View Video
4. Build From a Text Alarm Via the NetBrain integration API, right-click a text alarm in tools like NetCool to create a map automatically in NetBrain.
5. Drag-and-drop Routing Table Entry (L3) After decoding the routing table, NetBrain can create a diagram for each entry. View Video
6. Drag-and-drop one-IP Table Entry (L2) NetBrain builds a special L2 connectivity table – One-IP table after network discovery. Do a search in the One-IP table for an IP, MAC or hostname and create an L2 map for the search result. View Video
7. Device Group (L3) To map a list of devices: first build a device group that contains each device, then map out all devices in the group. View Video
8. Switch Group (L2) Map out all switches in a data center, use the map switch group function. View Video

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