36_1: Introduction

The Network Visualizer in Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) provides a graphical representation of your Virtual Cloud Network (VCN) and its associated resources, such as subnets, gateways, and route tables. This tool helps you visually understand and troubleshoot network configurations, monitor connectivity, and optimize the performance and security of your network architecture.

This document explains how to use the Network Visualizer with a sample setup, demonstrates its features, and outlines best practices for network management in OCI.

36_2: Overview of Network Visualizer

The Network Visualizer is a part of OCI's Network Command Center. It offers:

• Graphical representation of VCNs and associated resources.
• Resource details such as CIDR blocks, IP ranges, and routing rules.
• Interactive tools for filtering and analyzing the network's components.
• Connectivity insights for identifying misconfigurations in security rules, routing policies, or resource associations.

36_3: Sample Setup in Network Visualizer

Below is an example of how a test environment is visualized in OCI's Network Visualizer. The test environment consists of a single VCN named NP_Test_VCN with a CIDR block of 10.0.0.0/16.

Visualization of the Sample Test Setup

• The image below shows the NP_Test_VCN as represented in the Network Visualizer. The components are displayed in a structured and interactive diagram.

This VCN is associated with the following gateways.

• Internet Gateway (IGW): Enables connectivity to the internet.

• Service Gateway (SGW): Provides access to OCI public services without internet exposure.

• NAT Gateway (NAT): Facilitates internet-bound traffic for instances in private subnets.

Key Points:

The hexagon represents the VCN (NP_Test_VCN) and its associated CIDR block (10.0.0.0/16).

Gateways are shown as icons around the VCN:

• IGW (Internet Gateway): Provides public internet access.

• SGW (Service Gateway): Ensures private communication with OCI services like Object Storage.

• NAT (NAT Gateway): Allows outbound internet access for private instances.

The Resource Summary panel provides detailed information for selected resources, such as their OCID, name, state, and creation date.

36_4: How to Use Network Visualizer

36_4_1: Access Network Visualizer

Navigate to Networking > Network Visualizer

36_4_2: Analyze Your Network

Inspect the layout:

• Identify connected resources like gateways and subnets.

• Check the relationships between resources.

• View resource details:

• Click on any component (e.g., IGW, SGW) to display its detailed configuration in the Resource Summary panel. Filter resources:

Use filters to focus on specific components like subnets, gateways, or route tables.

36_4_3: Troubleshoot and Validate

Use the visual representation to:

• Verify that routing rules and security lists are configured correctly.

• Identify potential misconfigurations in gateway connectivity.

• Check if resources are properly linked within the VCN.

36_5: Best Practices for Using Network Visualizer

• Regular Monitoring: Periodically review your network setup to ensure all resources are operating as intended.

• Validate Security Rules: Check that security rules provide the necessary access while adhering to organizational policies.

• Document Network Changes: Use the visualizer to capture and document your network's state for audits and troubleshooting.

36_6: Conclusion

The Network Visualizer in OCI simplifies the management of your network architecture by providing an intuitive, graphical view of your resources. By leveraging its features, you can streamline troubleshooting, ensure security compliance, and optimize your cloud network design