Solarwinds Worldwide, LLC

Michael Jon Swan

Embodiments of the present application enable a user to map a network topology and to then dynamically filter the map display by hiding or showing nodes based on discovery characteristics, such as Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) status, Active Directory (AD) Domain Controllers (DC) status, group membership status, etc. to allow customization of maps views. In particular, a topology mapping is formed by collecting topology data of a network and storing this topology data. Filtering criteria are received from a user, and the stored topology data is filtered using this received filtering criteria. The filtered topology data is then displayed to the user.

Filtering of map topology based on network discovery characteristics

Active directory (AD) Domain Controllers (DC) discovery includes determining the topology of the network, such as the nodes and connections in the network. For example, synthetic data may be transferred within the network and traced to determine the presence and relationships of the various network components. Alternatively, other mapping techniques are based upon mapping a known set of nodes to determine the relationship of the nodes. Next, Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) commands are forwarded to the various nodes to identify the AD DC within a range of IP addresses discovered during the mapping of to the topology of the network.

Discovery and visualization of active directory domain controllers in topological network maps

Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) data is obtained via network switch (SNMP) queries to enhance identification of switch-to-switch links in Layer-2 mapping. In particular, by analyzing the STP data, ambiguity in determining switch uplink ports may be reduced. Specifically, the STP data can be used in conjunction with other topography data to provide Layer-2 connectivity for nodes on a network topology. Layer-2 address mapping tables are collected from a topology mapping, and STP data is collected, along with address translation tables (ARP) tables. Using this information, switches are identified using Layer-2 address tables. The STP data can be correlated by comparing data in switches, identifying switch ports directly connected to other switch ports, and eliminating direct switch-to-switch port connections from consideration for further Layer-2 node mappings.

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Lafayette, CA, United States of America

Michael Jon Swan