Mapping Computer Network in Google Spreadsheet with Rhizosphere

[Jason Markantes]

Hello all-

I have a simple small business network I'm trying to map, three
geographically spread out locations, about 6 main routers and a couple
dozen computers and voip phones. I thought a simple spreadsheet table
with the information tracked there would suffice, and combined with
Rhizosphere would be perfect for a simple map.

However, there are a couple minor questions so far. Can a map view
default to Tree? It seems every time I re-open the spreadsheet, it
goes back to a List view. I'm trying to keep this as simple as
possible for the end users, some of which might not be technical
people down the road.

Also, it seems that in order for a tree view to work, it requires some
numerical data. I was hoping to simply list two columns as a test:
"Asset" and "ParentAsset". For example a computer plugged into a
router would have Asset=computer and ParentAsset=(router it's plugged
into). From this data, I was hoping to create a simple map.
Unfortunately, it seems some number is required, otherwise Rhizosphere
does not show Tree or TreeMap as a display option. What am I missing
to understand this requirement? I was thinking of creating a hidden
column for now that defaults to 1. The drawback to that is in case we
want to use a filter down the road (color specifies type of asset,
such as phone, computer, router, etc.) then the hidden field showing
up there would confuse any potential users.

At some point I'd like to expand this and create a second map by
"Location", so the assets could be listed by room location also. But
first just getting a simple map to default to Tree and not require a
numeric value would be helpful.

Anyone else using it for network maps yet?

Thanks for any info (and a very cool gadget otherwise!)
Jason

[Riccardo Govoni ☢]

Hi Jason, 

I understand you are using Rhizosphere as a gadget inside Google Spreadsheets, right?

If so, there is not yet an option to have the visualization start with a given layout (a Tree in your case) when embedded in a Google Spreadsheet (I'm aware of the need, just never got around to actually fix the issue).

It would be possible however if you were to use the visualization standalone on its own webpage (as described here). In which case you could add a small javascript snippet to initialize Rhizosphere with a Tree layout. Let me know if you want to explore this option.

Regarding how display hierarchical relationships (like computer -> router), have you tried reading this page?

https://sites.google.com/site/rhizosphereui/Home/announcements/betterrhizospheretreemapsingooglespreadsheets

It should contain what you need, and also describes how to have multiple hierarchies (for when you'll introduce the Location hierarchy).

/R.