Activity Maps FAQ

• When should I generate an activity map?
• Why don’t I see every device label in my map?
• Can I export my map?
• Can I view my map in 3D?
• What does the width of the line mean?
• Why are some circles larger than others?
• How are devices grouped together on a map?
• Will map elements change color based on alert or troubleshooting status?
• Why does the map layout change while I'm viewing it?

When should I generate an activity map?

With an activity map, you can view the connections between devices across your network in real-time or for a specific time interval. Instead of a static visualization of how your network is organized, an activity map provides a dynamic view of protocol activity on your network as it occurs. An activity map can help answer the following questions:

• Is a server that should be disconnected or decommissioned still sending or receiving traffic from other devices?
• Which services are interacting with my slow application server? Is one of these services sending an overwhelming volume of traffic that might be affecting application performance?
• Are databases or authentication servers making unauthorized connections with other devices?

Why don’t I see every device label in my map?

To optimize the amount of information you can view in a large map, the map does not display every device label by default. Zoom in or hover over circles and lines to view their labels.

Can I export my map?

Yes, you can export the entire map as a PNG, SVG, or PDF file.

Can I view my map in 3D?

Yes, click the command menu in the upper right corner of the activity map and select View 3D Layout. Maps displayed in the 3D layout automatically rotate until you pan or zoom on the map

What does the width of the line mean?

The width of the line corresponds to a metric, such as bytes, connections, or TCP turns. A wider line highlights which connections between devices are associated with more activity. By default, the width of the line corresponds to bytes, or volume of traffic.

Why are some circles larger than others?

The size of the circle corresponds to a metric, such as bytes, connections, or TCP turns. Larger circles highlight which devices are associated with more activity. By default, the size of the circle corresponds to bytes, or volume of traffic.

How are devices grouped together on a map?

Activity maps show you a dynamic view of real-time connections between devices. The placement of devices is determined by an algorithm that optimizes the map layout. Devices are not grouped together based on relationship or network topology.

Will map elements change color based on alert or troubleshooting status?

The color of circles does not change based on an alert status. The color shading of circles and lines on the maps can help you identify which devices have more activity associated with them. Bolder shading indicates more activity.

Why does the map layout change while I'm viewing it?

The layout can change as new data presents changes in device activity. When the time interval in the upper left corner of the page is set to an interval such as Last 30 minutes, Last 6 hours, or Last day, activity map data will continuously update every minute with real-time data. Select a custom time interval with a specific start and end date to stop real-time layout updates.