NetBrain Map represents the evolution of visualizing and documenting the network. The map can be created in advance to document your network, for example, mapping all sites and your core network, or can be created on-demand to help define the scope of a network problem. Every network task starts with a data-driven dynamic map, as known as Qmap™. Each map can be improved with configurations and more data retrieved from your live network, serving to diagram your network, or as a single pane of glass, or even as a collaboration media. In addition, as a key feature, map can be shared across multiple features, for example, a map can be used by path, network intent, and the member intent of intent cluster.

Using Map to Diagram and document your Network

One important use of map is to diagram and document the entire or part of your network as needed. As a starting point, you can instantly create a Map from scratch or map a search result.  Then you can improve your map  based on your needs, such as extending neighbors, Auto Link, and Design Reader. Map can be created on-demand to provide the foundation for visibility and automation. Besides on-demand maps, the system also provides container maps for flexibly grouping of devices being used frequently, such as site devices and device group members collected by defined criteria. See Site Map and Device Group Map for more details.

In addition, you can visualize software-defined networks, public cloud networks and IPv6 L3 topology within NetBrain.

Using Map as a Single Pane of Glass

NetBrain’s Dynamic Map technology can provide a single pane of glass (SPOG) management console for your entire hybrid infrastructure to help you with the troubleshooting. NetBrain dynamic map versus the static network Visio Map is like Google Map versus a printed street map. Different layers of rich data can be displayed on the map, such as the data from configurations, CLI commands or third-party systems. These layers of data are organized in the form of Data Views which replace different sheets in a Visio document.

1. Browsing Device Data on Map
2. Applying Data View on Map
   
3. Creating a Data View from Templates   

If you want to integrate with third-party data, see Single Pane of Glass details.

Collaboration is very important at work when you analyze network design, troubleshoot network issues or change network design. The system can help you easily share your data with your colleagues to cooperate on a problem through map. For instance, you can make a personal map copy, which can be timely updated, to collaborate with other team members.

Main UI Components

• Map Toolbar: Frequently used tools for operating on map are displayed.
• Map Page Pane: An area where the map is displayed.
• Network Object: The network objects drawn on a map may include devices, MPLS clouds, sites, device groups, media and stencils.
• Links (topology): The links supported by the map feature include layer 2 topology, IPv4 layer 3 topology, IPv6 layer 3 topology, and Layer 3 VPN Tunnel.
• Data View: Open the data view pane.
• Runbook: Open the runbook pane.
• Intent: Open the network intent pane.
• Guidebook: Open the Guidebook pane.
• Incident & Portal: Open the incident pane.

See also:

• End-to-End Visibility with Dynamic Map
• Map-Based Automation
• Manage Map Data
• Map Layer 2 Topology
• Export to Visio  
• Map Tools and Keyboard Shortcut