Dynamic Network Diagram Generation via Packet Overlay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network diagrams become unreliable soon after publication due to real-world changes in network topology, requiring constant updates and failing to accurately represent dynamic network environments.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for generating network diagrams that receive and process datasets of captured packets to build interconnected node diagrams, overlaying multiple layers to identify differences, and graphically display changes by highlighting or animating nodes and connections, allowing for dynamic updating and visualization in 2D, 3D, or 3D virtual reality formats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network diagrams are built upon assumptions and published, then they provide initial network representation, but they become unreliable soon after publication due to real-world changes in network topology
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables network diagrams to self-update by automatically discovering network topology through packet capture and analysis. The network diagram generation system continuously monitors network traffic and autonomously updates the diagram without requiring manual intervention, allowing the diagram to serve itself in maintaining accuracy against real-world topology changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously capturing packets, analyzing network flow data, and comparing actual topology against the published diagram. This closed-loop feedback ensures the diagram remains synchronized with the real network state, automatically correcting deviations caused by topology changes.
2Reliability
If network diagrams are constantly updated to reflect real-world changes, then reliability is improved, but the complexity of maintaining and updating the diagrams increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical updating processes with automated electronic packet capture and analysis. Instead of manually tracing and updating diagram elements, the system uses network packet data to automatically generate and update the visual representation, substituting human effort with automated computational processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates accurate copies of the actual network topology by analyzing packet metadata and reconstructing the network diagram from observed traffic patterns. This copying mechanism ensures the diagram faithfully represents the real network state without requiring direct manual intervention to replicate topology changes.
3Ease of operation
If traditional 2D network diagrams are used, then they provide simple visual representation, but they fail to effectively visualize complex network topologies and changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from traditional 2D network diagrams to three-dimensional virtual reality representations. This dimensional enhancement allows complex network topologies to be visualized in immersive 3D space, providing additional spatial dimensions for representing network relationships, device hierarchies, and traffic flows while maintaining ease of interaction through VR controls.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary system and method for generating a network diagram. The system includes a first interface for receiving one or more first datasets of network data. A processor configured to generate a first network diagram and identify changes in a network by overlaying one or more network diagram layers or a second network diagram on the first network diagram. The one or more network diagram layers corresponding to captured packets of the first datasets or of second datasets and the second network diagram corresponding to captured packets of the second datasets. A second interface for graphically displaying the network diagram by highlighting and/or animating one or more nodes and/or node connections based on at least one of the identified changes from the overlay.