Automated network drawings based on database records

[5p1der]

TIA and greets!

At the local Barnes and Noble and on the web, I have been unable to
find any information that leads me to believe that a Visio drawing can
be automated such that...

An MS Access 2K db using a SQL Server 7 on backend which stores network
devices, ports, port assignments and other related equipment. I would
like to use these records to be able to automate drawings for
individual sites as well as the network as a whole.

Using the ODBC connectivity provided in Visio, is it possible to read a
record from the database and build a drawing? I have used the Visio
wizard to build database diagrams, so I assume other types of drawings
can be done also. My only coding experience is within the Access db,
but am willing to make the jump to coding in visio--just need a little
guidance on how to begin.

Thanks!

Eric

 

[Al Edlund]

it can be done, just not with the software available with the product. You
typically have to code that kind of application yourself. There are some
third party addons that do some of that functionality. It's not a trivial
exercise but well worth the time if you have even a medium size network.
al

 

[5p1der]

Thanks, Al. We do have a rather large network: global in scale with
over 700 end points throughout the US, S.America/Caribean, Africa,
Europe, Australia and Asia. Of course, there is the actual disk
storage advantage to generating a drawing vs. storing drawings, and the
drawing is the only peice of documentation not automated. Not to
mention generated documentation is as current as the database of
record--we have found to be the biggest advantage. I would have
thought this capability would be a matter of course within Visio for an
increasingly digital world.

Can you provide a couple examples of such 3rd party software, since, by
"not trivial" I assume you mean that this is not something a beginer
coder could undertake successfully with a reasonable turnaround time?

 

[Crack]

I have a visio solution that can automate network drawings based upon
database information. The project also links the database to the actual
network so that we can audit network changes.
Configurational status of Network Nodes are automatically drawn.
Size wise the actual Network is 6.4 E 11 km bits per sec
The Visio componant = 10M ,MS access componant i= 20M.
I'm not sure if the solution can be driven from a centrally located server.

 

[5p1der]

Crack--would you be able to provide any details?

 

[Crack]

I am happy to provide details of this solution. The solution has many aspects
to it. what details do you need?

 

[Crack]

If you're a person who operates a Network that utilises transmission
nodes.and Transmission archectecture is SDH (Synchronous Data Hierachy) or
PDH (Pleisosynchronous Data Hierachy) Then you may be interested in this
solution.
OR
If you operate a Telco Network and you are considering Marconi's MV36/38
software to manage the Networek Then you may be interested in this solution.

The solution is able to automatically render service paths that transit a
Telco Network.

The scope of the solution includes transmission cross connect, site G.P.S.
data, transmission path lengths and ownership.

The solution is able to depict a Transmission Network in several distinct
views. geographical, connectivity and configurational.

The solution includes animated flyovers of the Network and automatic tracing
of individual circuits.

The access databse accomadates data that is automatically,periodically
populated from the real network nodes. The Database is used to drive the
visio graphics.

Auditation of the network is thus accomplished at several key levels.

The graphics provide the interface to the user.

The ability to "dataize" a Network in this fashion, realises the power
within the solution and has a profound impact upon paper based drawing
regimes.

If you or others would like a demonstration of the "NetworkMap"
contact on (e-mail address removed)