Modify the graphic network map

Modifying the graphic network map so that it best represents your network's topology will allow more accurate traffic simulation results, as well as a more accurate visual representation of the network in the map.

Note: The accuracy of AFA traffic simulation queries affects FireFlow whenever FireFlow uses query results, for example, in Initial Planning.

For instructions for how to perform basic map actions, see Modify the graphic network map.

Match a Risk Profile to Your Topology: Watch to learn about applying risk profiles to your device topology.

Select map elements

Click on an element in the map to select it.

If the neighborhood of a device (network map elements which do not connect two devices) is visible, clicking on a device automatically highlights all neighborhood elements.

Additionally, do any of the following:

Select multiple elements

Use the SHIFT or CTRL keys to select multiple elements simultaneously.

To select all elements within a specific area on the map, press the SPACEBAR and drag a selection area around the elements you want to select.

Clear the selection on a single element

If you have multiple elements selected, press SHIFT or CTRL and click on a specifically selected element to clear the selection on that element.

Clear the selection on multiple selected elements

Either click any open space in the network map, or select a new element.

The selection is cleared on all previously selected elements.

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Merge routers

If the same router appears twice in the graphic network map, you may want to merge the two instances.

To merge routers:

  1. View the graphic network map. For details, see AFA's graphic network map.
  2. Select the two routers you want to merge. For details, see Modify the graphic network map.
  3. Right-click on one of the selected routers, and then click Merge Routers.

    The Merge Devices dialog box opens.

  4. In the New Device name field, type a name for the merged router.
  5. Click OK.

    The routers are merged. The routers appear as a single merged router in the map.

  6. Click Save.

    Note: To ensure that subsequent activity is based on the updated map, save immediately.

    A confirmation message appears.

  7. Click OK.

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Defining a Router as a Routing Element

AFA provides the ability to define a router in AFA as a routing element. A routing element is a generic device which performs SNMP connections for retrieving routing tables, without collecting configurations.

Note: Only administrators can perform this procedure.

Note: You can also add a routing element to AFA as you would add any other device. For more details, see Add other devices and routing elements.

To define a router as a monitoring device:

  1. View the graphic network map. For details, see AFA's graphic network map.
  2. Right click on the router you want to define as a monitoring device, and then click Define as Routing Element.

    The Devices setup page appears with the IP address field pre-filled.

  3. Continue defining the routing element. For details, see Add other devices and routing elements.

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Merging Clouds

If the same cloud appears twice in the graphic network map, you may want to merge the two instances.

To merge two clouds:

  1. View the graphic network map. For details, see AFA's graphic network map.
  2. Select the clouds by doing one of the following:
    • Search for the clouds:
      1. Search for the clouds.
      2. Click the Merge Clouds link.
    • Manually select the clouds:
      1. Select two clouds you want to merge.
      2. Right-click on one of the selected clouds, and then click Merge Clouds.

        The Merge Clouds dialog box opens.

  3. If you used the Merge Clouds link, select the clouds to merge.
  4. In the New Cloud name field, type a name for the merged cloud.
  5. Click OK.

    The merged cloud appears in the map.

  6. Click Save.

    Note: To ensure that subsequent activity is based on the updated map, save immediately.

    A confirmation message appears.

  7. Click OK.

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Renaming Graphic Network Map Elements

You can rename any element other than an edge.

To rename elements:

  1. View the graphic network map. For details, see AFA's graphic network map.
  2. Right-click on the element you want to rename, and then click Rename.

    The Rename dialog box opens.

  3. In the Type Name field, type a new name for the element.
  4. Click OK.

    The element is renamed.

  5. Click Save.

    A confirmation message appears.

  6. Click OK.

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Moving Graphic Network Map Elements

You can change the location of elements in the graphic network map.

Note: Moving edges directly is not supported. Edges move automatically when the element to which they are connected is moved.

Note: An element will remain in its position for the remainder of the session, even if the map is not saved, and even if you navigate away from the map.

To move an element:

  • Click on the desired element and drag it to the desired location on the map.

To move multiple elements:

  1. Select multiple elements.
  2. Drag the elements to the desired location on the map.

    Note: If the neighborhood of a device (network map elements which do not connect two devices) is hidden, moving the device automatically moves its neighborhood.

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Removing Device Interfaces

You can specify that certain device interfaces be ignored in the graphic network map. Removed interfaces will be ignored when performing a traffic simulation query.

Note: To restore ignored interfaces to the map and view a list of all ignored interfaces, see Restore device interfaces.

To remove device interfaces:

  1. View the graphic network map. For details, see AFA's graphic network map.
  2. Right-click on the edge that represents the interface you want to remove.
  3. Click Remove Interface.

    The interface is removed.

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Managing Layer 2 Devices in the Map

Many organizations use layer 2 (L2) devices in their network infrastructure as an additional security mechanism for their layer 3 devices. You can place layer 2 devices into subnets in the network map to allow more accurate traffic simulation results and change management, as well as a more accurate visual representation of the network in the map.

An L2 device can be in one of two states in AFA:

  • Unplaced. Not associated with a subnet.
  • Placed. Associated with a specific subnet.

To place an L2 device in a subnet (transit network or computer network) from the perspective of the device, see Placing an L2 Device into a Subnet from the Main Menu.

To place or remove L2 devices from the perspective of the subnet (transit network or computer network), see Placing Any L2 Devices into a Subnet or Removing L2 Devices from a Subnet.

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Saving the Graphic Network Map

Any changes you make to the graphic network map will not remain in the map unless you save the map.

Note: Unsaved changes are reflected in the map but will not be reflected in queries or route lookups.

To save changes made to the graphic network map:

  1. View the graphic network map. For details, see AFA's graphic network map.
  2. Click Save.

    A warning message appears.

  3. Click OK.

    Your changes are saved.

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Automatically Rearranging the Graphic Network Map

You can automatically rearrange the Graphic Network Map to see the elements in a different position.

To rearrange the graphic network map:

  1. View the graphic network map. For details, see AFA's graphic network map.
  2. Click Rearrange Map.

    A warning message appears.

  3. Click OK.

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Refreshing the Graphic Network Map

Refreshing the Graphic Network Map causes the following:

  • All device neighborhoods will be hidden
  • Any newly added devices will be added
  • Any unsaved changes will be discarded

To refresh the graphic network map:

  1. View the graphic network map. For details, see AFA's graphic network map.
  2. Click Refresh Map.

    The map is refreshed.

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