Dynamic diagrams are created on-demand, instantly. Because they are data-driven from the live network, they are always up-to-date. Through this approach, there’s no need to create and maintain a database of drawings.
Comparing Linux OS Image Update Models - EOSS 2024.pdf
Dynamic Mapping with Automation
1. NetBrain Technologies
Dynamic Mapping with Automation
NetBrain Technologies
15 Network Drive
Burlington, MA 01803
+1 800.605.7964
info@netbraintech.com
www.netbraintech.com
2. History of Network Automation
Generation 0 – Scripting by
A Few
Automate Inventory and
basic health check
Perl, Python and
Expect/TCL scripting
Generation 1 – NCCM Tools
for Some
Automate Change and
Configuration
HPNA (Opsware), EMC
Voyence, Alterpoint,
CiscoPrime
What About Other Manual
Tasks? For Most of Us?
Network Documentation
– Pen and Paper and
Visio
Troubleshooting &
Analysis – Command
Line Digging & Configure
G0: Scripting G1: NCCM for Configuration G2: The Rest?
3. Before Network Automation
Read
Map
Run CLI
Stare and
Compare
vlan3
10.81.12.3/24
vlan200
10.82.2.3/24
Cisco-catalyst37xxStack
10.83.2.2
Bos-Core2-Tr
10.83.2.0/24
Cisco-catalyst37xxStack
10.83.1.2
Bos-Core1-Tr
10.83.1.0/24
Microsoft-Windows Server
10.84.20.20
LA-MULT-REC-TR
10.84.20.20
SEP0019D17430E1
10.84.20.0/24
10.84.11.0/24
Microsoft
10.81.12.20
SF-MULT-REC-TR
Cisco-catalyst296024TT
10.81.12.3
SF-Office-SW-Tr
10.82.2.0/24
10.82.1.20
SEP6CFDB94AB4F6
Cisco-ciscoASA5505
10.82.1.2
NY-ServerFarm-FW-Tr
Cisco-catalyst296024TT
10.82.1.3
NY-Office-SW-Tr
10.82.1.0/24
10.81.23.0/24
10.81.12.0/24
10.81.13.0/24
10.82.10.0/24
10.84.10.0/24
10.70.0.0/27
Cisco-2621XM
10.70.2.1
SF-WAN2-Tr
Cisco-2621XM
10.81.255.3
SF-WAN1-Tr
Cisco-2621XM
10.81.12.1
SF-NetMan-Tr
Cisco-2650XM
10.70.0.2
NY-WAN-Tr
Cisco-2505
10.82.10.3
NY-LOCAL2-Tr
Cisco-2505
10.82.10.2
NY-LOCAL1-Tr
Cisco-2621XM
10.70.0.4
LA-WAN-Tr
Cisco-2801
10.84.11.2
LA-Local-Tr
Cisco-2621XM
10.70.0.3
Bos-WAN-Tr
Static Map
Legacy Automation
Multiple CLI
Windows
Static Maps used as
reference data if
found
If not use a pen
and paper
CLI ping and
traceroute used to
determine path
Quick
“performance”
test results
Multiple show level
commands in multiple
CLI windows
Stare and
compare to find
deviations and
anomalies
Repeat until problem
found
CLI logging provide
activity log
4. The Evolution of Network Mapping
Time consuming
Closed to Experts
“One size fits all”
Manual Stitching
Quicker to build
Closed to Admins
“On the rack sizing”
Manual Stitching
Extremely Fast
Open to All
“Custom-fit sizing”
Auto-Stitching
Single pane of glass
“Search and extend” techniques with advanced Layer 4
traffic path analysis
5. Dynamic Mapping at Work
Whiteboard Drawings w/ Verbal Data
NetBrain’s Qmap w/ Embedded Data
Protocol
associationRoute Propagation
Map of discussion area
created in under 30 seconds
Map-data
Automatic
Legend
6. o NetBrain Qmaps can be created on demand
instantly
Create a map around an IP address
Map an application path
o Qmaps are data rich and interactive
Zoom in to see more network data and
observe device details (Observer)
Encapsulate built-in data, show command
results, and monitored data inside a Qmap
o Qmaps can be automatically updated
Highlight any topology changes on the map
Schedule an auto update of maps
Introduce Dynamic Map (Qmap)
7. Dynamic Map – Zooming
Scroll with a wheel mouse or setting the zoom % manually
At customizable zoom %, data layers dynamically add or removed
from the map
Select Options on the Map ribbon to adjust defaults
Zoom = 80%
Zoom = 160%
8. Dynamic Map – Zoom to Relevant Maps
Zoom out to reduce the amount of labels on the map
Zoom out to 40% on any Qmap to launch the relevant search
Double-click on the desired map to open in a new tab
Relevant Router
in new Qmap
9. Zoom in to 300% to launch Observer Panel
Continue zooming in to scroll through each card
Each card provides easy access to information related to a device
Uses and to change to a different device on the map
Dynamic Map – Zoom to Observer Cards
10. Dive into a Device via Observer
Navigator card allows re-ordering and hiding of each card
Click “Refresh” on Design card to clean un-used categories
11. Description
» Provides access to logical
configuration blocks
» Use NetBrain algorithms to
group parsed protocol and
related information
Design Reader
Use Case:
» Compare neighboring protocol configurations
» Compare neighboring interface settings
How to launch
» Select a device of interest on the map
» Select Config>Design Reader from floating Qmap menu
12. Using the Design Reader
Navigate the design reader tree on left for desired configuration block
Change the “Source of Configuration” data for historical comparison
Select the hostname hyperlink to change device for comparison
13. Using the Design Reader (cont)
Click on the top row of the design reader tree to validate
configuration blocks
no matching configuration, matching configuration available
Launches sample configuration viewer
Show sample
configuration
14. More Ways to Map On-Demand
Search for the server and map adjacent LAN
environment to see where it connects
o Find and disable an infected server
Map targeted routing domain (e.g. OSPF 200)
o Troubleshoot OSPF routing issues
Map related Downstream Source Tree
o Troubleshoot multicast video issues
Open Layer-2 Map of Data Center
o Troubleshoot a Data Center
15. Case Studies
British Telecom Saves Over $1 Million with Dynamic Mapping
With NetBrain, BT significantly reduced costs and manpower associated with discovery and diagramming of its customer’s
20,000 node network. BT scheduled automated bi-monthly rediscovery and asset reports to outline ongoing changes.
Fidelity Investments Cuts MTTR in Half with Dynamic Mapping
Fidelity utilized NetBrain to automate diagram creation, visualize performance issues, and easily share information for
collaborative troubleshooting sessions. Dynamic Mapping shortened typical diagnosis and repair by as much as 50%.
Thompson Reuters Consolidates Three Data Centers with Zero Outages
Thompson Reuters was able to reduce costs associated with data collection, data center consolidation, and resultant
downtime. Additionally, they were able to increase the accuracy of their change management process with NetBrain.
“NetBrain is a game-changer for
documenting large networks.”
Brad Argetsinger
Sr. Program Manager
“Troubleshooting without
NetBrain is like troubleshooting in
the dark.”
Michael Micheletti
NOC Engineer
16. See NetBrain in Action
Daily Demo
Join us for a 30-minute engineer-
led demo.
Sign up here!
To Learn More…
Free Whitepaper
Download a free whitepaper
from our website.
NetBrain Technologies
15 Network Drive
Burlington, MA 01803 www.netbraintech.com
Free 30-day Trial
Ready to start automating?
Download a free trial of NetBrain’s
Enterprise Suite from our website.
Notes de l'éditeur
Generation 0: Perl, Expect/TCL, and later python scripting used to automate Inventory collection and perform some basic health checks. Parsing the resulting data was often complex and performed by a programmer rather than a network engineer who spoke different languages.
Generation 1: Change and configuration management resulted in more available historical data and easier deployment of changes to multiple devices in the network. Network inventory tracking was commoditized as was configuration comparison.
Generation 2: The challenge is that manual scripting and change/configuration management are valuable, but limited to specific user who can do it, or use cases that were covered by what a vendor had released. CLI data-mining, network analysis, and troubleshooting are largely left to repetitive CLI executions, whiteboard drawings, or newer NMS tools that provide limited use to higher level engineers.
Even with a smaller diagram, determining the actual path through the live network can be an onerous task, as can be troubleshooting the issue once the path is known:
Start
Confirm a device and interface that is next in the path on a static map.
Login to the device
Execute device health commands
Run specific CLI commands
Re-run the CLI commands, then stare and compare at the results until a change is detected or assumed non existent.
Repeat
NetBrain automates the path determination process, using live device data to visually map the path, leaving on relevant components and interfaces on the map. Then, using Qapps, a set of CLI commands can be run across the entire path, at once, with deltas automatically calculated and displayed on the map as appropriate. Further enhancing the operators efficiency, visual alarms and map annotations can be created by Qapps drawing attention to problem areas while maintaining the context of the map.
1st Generation: Static Visio diagrams were very long and tedious to complete. They required Visio experts and top level engineers to design. This resulted in network diagrams being built as a one-size-fits all. In the event that devices in question were in 2 separate sets of static documentation, an engineer would be required to “stitch” the connections between the maps manually.
2nd Generation with Auto-Discovery improved the speed at which the documentation was created, and lessened the need for experts to be fully engaged through the process. This resulted in more maps being created with an often “narrower” focus. Admins were leveraged since each map became more complex to build, and the scale of the tooling came into question. Even though a larger variety of diagrams could be built, the user was still limited to what was “on the rack”. Manual stitching of diagrams was still required.
3rd Generation Dynamic Maps: Using detailed device data to model the network on a map in real-time, virtually eliminates the need for static documentation altogether. It is extremely quick and in many cases, (eg. If 2 end-points are known), the entire relevant path can be mapped out in seconds. Traffic path and neighbor extension eliminate the need for manual stitching of multiple maps since, all relevant components along the path can be built easily. The “ease of use” opens diagrams to any operator at almost any level, and provides a “custom fit” option for whatever the user needs. IE. If its not on the rack already, build it in seconds based on current network state or a historical version. Dynamic maps also create true single pane of glass since each component on the map is a live element that can present operation and configuration data with alarms and thresholds.
Whiteboards are a very common tool for discussions but there are 2 common problems.
Artistic Capability. What an Engineer sees in their mind is not translated well to a whiteboard. Even if the drawing is drawn well, discussions across the meeting often leave the drawing in a state where no-one else who was not part of the discussion could interpret it. NetBrain uses common icons that are familiar and allows the user to annotate the map with text and various advanced protocol highlights that make the illustrations clean.
Timelessness: Even those who attending the discussion session will find it very difficult to decipher a photo taken of the whiteboard drawing. NetBrain embeds map data, including notes, to improve the timelessness of the drawing. Because live and modelled data can be accessed via the Workstation Client, future discussions can benefit from map regeneration and historical comparison.
The design reader offers an advanced method of viewing a device configuration file. Instead of executing show running-config and paging through the configuration to find interested information, NetBrain automatically parses the configuration into various configuration blocks. In many cases, associated configurations are shown together. For example, if an ACL is used in a distribute-list for EIGRP, the ACL is included as part of the configuration block so all information is in front of the operator.
Searching relevant maps helps save time since another operator has already taken the time to extend neighbors and lay-out the map. This map might be exactly what the current operator is looking for.
By zooming out on the map with minimal devices, NetBrain will automatically search all indexed Qmaps and Visio documents for maps that contain all or some of the devices on the current Qmap. Once a desired map is found, simply select it, and a new tab will be opened with the appropriate map.
Picture: Provides a stock image for most devices. Clicking the setting wheel, allows the user to insert their own images and visio diagrams. Useful in support cases where an operator has never been to a location and needs to navigate a technician to a device. Floor plans, rack elevations, pictures of the front and back of the device, and cabinet can all be included.
Performance: Check live device CPU/Memory and Interface statistics
Design: Click Refresh on the Design card and only configuration items that are on the device will be displayed. Offers a quick way to get an overview of the device. Clicking on a configuration block, automatically launches the full Design Reader for the device
The design reader offers an advanced method of viewing a device configuration file. Instead of executing show running-config and paging through the configuration to find interested information, NetBrain automatically parses the configuration into various configuration blocks. In many cases, associated configurations are shown together. For example, if an ACL is used in a distribute-list for EIGRP, the ACL is included as part of the configuration block so all information is in front of the operator.
The design reader offers an advanced method of viewing a device configuration file. Instead of executing show running-config and paging through the configuration to find interested information, NetBrain automatically parses the configuration into various configuration blocks. In many cases, associated configurations are shown together. For example, if an ACL is used in a distribute-list for EIGRP, the ACL is included as part of the configuration block so all information is in front of the operator.
The design reader offers an advanced method of viewing a device configuration file. Instead of executing show running-config and paging through the configuration to find interested information, NetBrain automatically parses the configuration into various configuration blocks. In many cases, associated configurations are shown together. For example, if an ACL is used in a distribute-list for EIGRP, the ACL is included as part of the configuration block so all information is in front of the operator.
The design reader offers an advanced method of viewing a device configuration file. Instead of executing show running-config and paging through the configuration to find interested information, NetBrain automatically parses the configuration into various configuration blocks. In many cases, associated configurations are shown together. For example, if an ACL is used in a distribute-list for EIGRP, the ACL is included as part of the configuration block so all information is in front of the operator.
Whiteboards are a very common tool for discussions but there are 2 common problems.
Artistic Capability. What an Engineer sees in their mind is not translated well to a whiteboard. Even if the drawing is drawn well, discussions across the meeting often leave the drawing in a state where no-one else who was not part of the discussion could interpret it. NetBrain uses common icons that are familiar and allows the user to annotate the map with text and various advanced protocol highlights that make the illustrations clean.
Timelessness: Even those who attending the discussion session will find it very difficult to decipher a photo taken of the whiteboard drawing. NetBrain embeds map data, including notes, to improve the timelessness of the drawing. Because live and modelled data can be accessed via the Workstation Client, future discussions can benefit from map regeneration and historical comparison.
With NetBrain’s Qmap, all troubleshooting activities remain in the context of the problem area on a map providing a True Single Pane of Glass. CLI results can be parsed and the appropriate information displayed directly on the map, and/or the user can view full historical raw data. Chart and Monitor data is easily customizable and again, displayed without leaving the context of the map. Work flow is focused and even previous monitor results can be displayed on the map during post-mortem type discussions.