Visualization of Computer Networks

NetSpy: A Network Visualization Toolkit

by David Sykes

Supervisor: Dr. Lloyd Allison

2nd Supervisor: Dr. Ann Nicholson

This document is available in electronic form on the World-Wide Web at http://www.cs.monash.edu.au/courses/hons/1995/David.Sykes/report.html

Abstract

This report discusses the NetSpy system, a system which uses 3D graphics to visualize performance statistics about a network and the computers on that network. It also incorporates an extensible statistics collection system. Combined these programs allow for the visualization of data from a variety of sources, allowing for the analysis and monitoring of the performance of various services installed in typical network environments.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction and Problem Outline

2. Previous Work in Network Visualization

3. Approach - Design Outline

3.1 Design Assumptions and Decisions
3.2 Overall Design
3.3 DPML-MCS Design
4. Implementation
4.1 Object Relationships
4.2 The Gadget Classes
4.3 Use of Open Inventor
4.4 Communication with Collection Services
4.5 User Interface
4.6 Connections
5. Limitations and Future Work

6. Conclusion

7. Acknowledgements

8. Bibliography

Appendices

Appendix A: NetSpy User Manual
Appendix B: DPML-MCS Protocol Description
Appendix C: Gadget Creation
David Sykes / dsykes@cs.monash.edu.au