Speaker
Description
Network topology maps are fundamental to the identity of an academic network, being essential for both strategic communication and operations. In this context, the GNA-G GREN Map working group has been developing a tool based on hierarchical databases for mapping these topologies. Prior to 2025, the publication of a global map of academic networks was made unfeasible by the complexity of the infrastructure and the lack of automation in data extraction. In 2025, the group proposed a change in approach, it simplified the hierarchical database architecture and began planning maps with a delimited scope, replacing the "one map to rule them all" model. In this demonstration, we will explore an automation that extracts information from a source of truth, applies data processing filters, and generates a GRENML file (an XML extension for representing academic network topologies) for direct import into the mapping tool. In addition to optimizing and facilitating data extraction, the goal is to demonstrate an interactive and innovative way to visualize the topologies of academic networks. This approach specifically takes into account the hierarchy of regional, national, continental, and pan-continental networks. With this new tool developed by the group, it is expected that users will be able to easily navigate the topologies and clearly identify the connection points between them.
What will the TNC audience take away from your talk?
As a result of this demonstration, the audience will gain a technical understanding of the topological data automation flow, from extraction in NetBox to formatting in GRENML. Attendees will see in practice the application of filters and data pre-processing for the updated construction of network maps. Additionally, the audience will learn the methods applied to organize complex infrastructures into symmetrical visual layers, providing a technical and scalable model that other academic networks and NRENs can adopt to represent their own topologies.
| Are you a first time speaker at TNC? | No |
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