How cNIS works
cNIS provides network topology data to software applications and users. In environments like GÉANT's there are many applications and services developed which process network topology data in order to provide a higher level service to end-users. cNIS is able to collect, manage and share such topology data.
As presented in the diagram, cNIS implements three high-level functions, each covered by specific tools:
1. Network topology data collection
2. Topology data management (keeping data consistent and up-to-date)
3. Data sharing (interacting with external applications).
1. Network topology data collection for GÉANT services
cNIS’ value relies on a detailed and accurate digital representation of the network topology. The data that this representation relies on can be gathered in two ways - manual or automatic.
Manual data gathering
A cNIS operator, such as a network administrator or NOC engineer, can manually input topology data using a web interface. Dedicated forms allow the operator to define network nodes such as routers and switches, links between them and their specific attributes, such as name, network address, bandwidth, geographical location, and so on.
Automatic data gatheringThe easiest and fastest way of entering data into the system is using automated network discovery. This feature is based on communication protocols used for downloading data directly from network devices. Using common communication standards (for example SNMP, SSH or TELNET), cNIS can send queries to the devices asking them about their configuration details. The downloaded data is then processed and presented to the operator who decides which of the discovered information should be stored in a topology database. Plugins allows this method to be adjusted to atypical networks.
This approach combines both efficiency and data quality by delivering automatic data collection as well as user control. The automatic network discovery can be initiated by a cNIS operator on demand and should not take more than two minutes to achieve.
2. Topology data management to ensure an accurate network model Dexterous information management ensures a constantly updated and accurate network model. This is reflected in continuous topology change monitoring, and automatically generated topology maps and diagrams, which make it easy for cNIS operators to manage data efficiently. Continuous topology monitoring is based on automatic network discovery capabilities - in fact, cNIS can be configured to collect data from network devices on-demand or periodically. cNIS can draw a network picture with which users interactively explore the network topology.
Using the cNIS user interface the cNIS operator can ensure a reliable repository of network topology information.
3. Data sharing with external applications
Stored topology data can be shared with external services and applications, enabling further processing. Consequently, complex services and applications can be built on top of cNIS with the data able to be accessed by remote clients through SOAP-based interfaces in an XML-compatible format.