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To visualize a network topology in WAE Design, you need a basic understanding of layouts and templates, and how they relate to plan files. Once you understand these concepts, you can proceed to visualize the network and save a plan file as a template for use in WAE Live or WAE Design Archive, or simply save it as a plan file for simulation purposes in WAE Design. This chapter describes these concepts. The guide itself includes the following topics.
The unit of data storage that is displayed in the WAE Live or WAE Design Archive weathermap and in the WAE Design network plot is the plan file. Each plan file consists of a series of tables that describe network characteristics, including network topology, traffic, service classes, and routing protocols. Note that what is visible in the web applications and the WAE Design GUI differs since the former represents collected data from an operating network, while the latter can additionally represent simulated networks and network state.
These plans files are typically created as a result of the process that discovers topology and traffic. They can, however, be created using CLI tools or the WAE Design GUI, which can be useful when designing greenfield networks.
Note The WAE Automation server does not contain templates as defined here. Also note that while the Coordinated Maintenance uses templates, the application does so only for the purpose of having current topology (not for visualization purposes).
The manner in which plan files are laid out to visualize the network is called a layout. Each plan has a default layout. The WAE Design GUI provides numerous tools for re-arranging the topology and affecting the appearance of objects, both for newly discovered networks and for greenfield designs. With these tools you can create multiple layouts per plan file, each with its own visualization. For example, layouts can have schematic or geographic site canvases, or show specific sections of the network.
All layouts are one of two types: either Weathermap (primarily for preparing layout templates) or Design (for planning and design work in WAE Design). Unless otherwise noted, the procedures described in this guide apply to both Weathermap and Design layouts.
Layer 3 visualization is supported in WAE Design, WAE Design Archive, and WAE Live. Layer 1 visualization is supported in WAE Design. Most of the visualization tools are available for both Layer 3 and Layer 1.
Figure 1-1 shows an example of a newly discovered network, a Design layout with a schematic canvas, and a Weathermap layout with a geographic canvas.
Figure 1-1 Example Network Before and After Modifying the Layout