Mapping With Layer 2

You can use Layer 2 to create maps that accurately reflect your network's topology. There are several ways to do this - two methods are detailed here.

Converting an Existing Map to use Layer 2

For maps with a relatively small number of devices, you can convert the map directly so that it uses Layer 2 features to configure the map. You can also create a new map and use Layer 2 information to add the switches and devices.

To convert an existing map to Layer 2:

  1. Open the map you want to convert and make it editable.
  2. From the Map Settings window's Layer 2 Features pane, select the Enable Layer 2 features for this map check box.
  3. From the Window menu, choose Device List, and choose Layer 2 from the View menu or click the Layer 2 View icon. The Layer 2 window appears, showing your available Layer 2 devices.
  4. In the Layer 2 view, click the Refresh button at the lower right corner of the window.
  5. From the Map Settings window's Layer 2 Features pane, click Change Now. Any Layer 2 connections are broken and reconnected using Layer 2 information.
  6. Select all devices and choose Organic from the Format menu's Arrange submenu. The map now uses Layer 2 information to connect the devices on the map.

To create a new map using Layer 2 information:

  1. Create a new empty map and make it editable.
  2. From the Window menu, choose Device List, and choose Layer 2 from the View menu or click the Layer 2 View icon. The Layer 2 window appears, showing your available Layer 2 devices.
  3. In the Layer 2 view, click the Refresh button at the lower right corner of the window.
  4. In the Connections pane, select the lines for the switches you want to map and choose Copy from the Edit menu.
  5. Paste into your new map. In a few moments the switches appear on your map.
  6. From the Map Settings window's Layer 2 Features pane, select the Enable Layer 2 features for this map check box.
  7. Click Change Now. The switches on the map are connected as defined by Layer 2 information. This represents your network's switch backbone.
  8. From the Layer 2 window's Endpoints pane, select all endpoints, copy them, and paste them into your map.
  9. From the Map Settings window's Layer 2 Features pane, click Change Now. The devices are connected as defined by Layer 2 information.
  10. Although optional, you may find it helpful to select all devices and choose Organic from the Format menu's Arrange submenu.