Visualization of network topology with hierarchical display layout

The network topology discovery is indispensable for a network management system. Visualizing the topology of complex network systems is an efficient way to grasp the topological structure of the network. A visualization method was proposed, which applies to the display of the topology of medium or small scale network. It visualizes the topology based on hierarchical structure with the major devices being separated from the minor devices in different hierarchy. The major devices are hierarchically displayed on screen from top to bottom. This method also allows the administrator to change the layout of the topology display flexibly. The basic concept and important techniques in implementing the method were presented.