Learn more about network topology at Auvik

What is network topology?

Network topology refers to how devices on a network are arranged, interconnected, and communicate with each other – essentially a map of your network devices and their connections that provides visualization into the logical and physical layout. Understanding network topology is key because it enables you to see how traffic flows across the infrastructure and how components relate to each other.

Why is network topology important?

Visualizing network topology provides faster troubleshooting capabilities by enabling you to easily trace connections between devices, identify dependencies, and pinpoint the root causes of issues or bottlenecks. It also facilitates more informed capacity planning and upgrade decisions by clearly revealing traffic patterns and resource utilization trends across device groups.

What are the key features of Auvik’s network topology software?

Auvik automatically discovers devices and maps both physical and logical connections in real-time, accurately visualizing Layer 1, 2, and 3 topologies along with granular device details like make, model, and firmware version to enable rapid navigation and troubleshooting across the infrastructure. It also alerts you to changes and provides tools to document and search inventory.

What types of network topologies can be visualized with Auvik’s software?

Auvik can automatically map all standard network topologies including star, tree, mesh, bus, ring, and hybrid models across distributed environments comprised of routers, multilayer switches, firewalls, wireless access points, servers, printers, and end-user devices.

Does Auvik’s network topology software require manual updates?

No, manual updates are not required every time there is a change because Auvik’s network topology diagram automatically discovers and maps your network in real-time. Auvik pulls data from protocols like CDP and LLDP to model Layer 1 and builds Layers 2-3 based on VLANs, IPs, and ARP tables to keep the topology view completely up-to-date.

How does Auvik’s network topology software help with troubleshooting?

Auvik allows you to visually trace connections and drill down to granular device details right from the network map, giving you valuable context to quickly pinpoint issues. You can instantly see how devices are interconnected, and check interface statistics, configs, and syslogs so you waste less time gathering data and can focus on remediation.

Can Auvik’s network topology software detect changes in the network?

Yes, Auvik continuously monitors your network 24/7 and automatically updates the topology map in real-time whenever devices are added, removed, or connections change so you always have an accurate, up-to-date view. Our network mapping tool will even highlight where recent changes have occurred directly on the map.

Is Auvik’s network topology software suitable for both small and large networks?

Yes, Auvik scales to automatically map networks of any size by auto-discovering devices and connections. It uses the same network protocols to model topology whether you have a 5-device network or a 500-device network, ensuring you get the same detailed visualization with full drill-down capabilities regardless of network scale.

How do I choose the best topology software for my needs?

The best topology software should provide real-time visibility into your network, automate mapping to reduce manual effort and offer insights to streamline troubleshooting. Auvik’s network topology mapper delivers all of these capabilities and more, giving you an always up-to-date view of your network topology.

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