Layer 2 Maps

Layer 2 maps visualization is the key to seamless infrastructure management as it provides a clear representation of the Layer 2 network topology. A full view of the network topology is useful for an IT admin in multiple ways.

• Helps admins achieve full visibility: With Layer 2 maps, an IT admin gets a closer look at the infrastructure components, including switches, routers, and VLANs, and how they are interconnected. A full understanding of the physical and logical layout of the network helps the admin understand the potential bottlenecks and troubleshoot issues effectively.
• Allows for effective device and inventory management: Layer 2 maps are also the key to device management, as they enable IT personnel to identify, locate, and track devices and their interconnections. This helps in capacity planning and device provisioning, in turn enabling a healthy network asset inventory.
• Helps reduce disruptions during change management: The illustration of the network topology helps an IT admin visualize interconnections, the overall network connectivity, and the potential impacts of network changes (like the addition of new devices). Layer 2 maps are tools that help minimize the disruptions to network operations while making such changes.
• Aids with security and compliance requirements: Layer 2 maps can quickly highlight potential vulnerabilities in the infrastructure through visualization. Using Layer 2 maps, IT admins can reduce unauthorized access, secure vulnerable endpoints, and ensure proper segmentation. As a result, they can enforce access control measures and implement effective security policies while maintaining compliance regulation requirements.

How Layer 2 maps work in OpManager Plus

OpManager Plus renders the logical network topology once the network and network devices have been discovered. The network topology visualization comes in handy for an IT admin in ascertaining physical connectivity in real networks and the consequences in the event of a device failure.

After discovery, the Layer 2 maps can be seen in three different views: Radial Tree (default), Node Link, and Balloon Tree. The Layer 2 maps feature also offers additional capabilities, like map modifications, device imports, rediscovery, and exports to Visio.

Learn more about OpManager Plus.