Niagara Networks - Network Visibility
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    NVC - Datasheet
    Discover the full suite of visibility Solutions
    Overview
    NVC is an SDN-based controller that unifies all visibility nodes into one virtual fabric, delivering centralized, intent-based orchestration for TAPs, bypass switches & packet brokers
    Key Features

    Centralized visibility control with auto-discovery, topology mapping, role-based access, and simplified provisioning for all Niagara visibility appliances

    Use Cases
    Streamline NetOps & SecOps workflows with a single interface to configure, monitor, and manage distributed visibility infrastructure
    FAQ
    Read the FAQ to discover common questions and learn more about the solution
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    The Power of Unlimited Network Visibility

    The Power of Unlimited Visibility

    Single-pane of glass for the visibility layer is a critical mechanism for Network and Security Operations (NetSecOps) to enable them to locate, isolate, and provision network visibility solutions for performance and network security related applications. In today's fast-paced, digital-first ecosystem, complete visibility is vital in maintaining control of your network and eliminating (or at least minimizing) blind spots and infrastructure downtime.
    360° Intent-based Visibility
    & Centralized Management

     

    As networks grow and visibility nodes multiply across data centers, cloud, and hybrid environments, managing each device individually becomes inefficient and error-prone. NVC centralizes this complexity into a single platform, giving network teams fast, seamless control of the entire visibility layer. With visibility groups, full topology and navigation views, and granular insight into ports, configurations, and device schematics, NVC delivers an integrated, three-layer approach for managing any number of visibility nodes with ease.

    Unified Visibility Abstraction

     

     

    NVC’s abstraction layer creates an intelligent, dynamic visibility fabric that interacts with network services in real time. It hides configuration complexity, making the system far easier to use while reducing errors and operational effort. This streamlined approach also empowers administrators to enhance service delivery and overall visibility management.

    Simplified Administration

     

    NVC streamlines operations by allowing engineers to manage all visibility nodes as a single virtual fabric. As services grow more complex, NVC delivers an intuitive, error-reducing interface with hierarchical administration roles that enables secure, fast, and seamless configuration without manually handling each device.

    Network Visibility Controller Highlights

    Situation Awareness
    and Node Visibility

    Users can easily drill up to a higher view or drill down to a more detailed view to obtain the optimal mix between overall visibility node monitoring and detailed port configurations.

    Each view offers a specific set of contextual actions. In the Group view, the user can dynamically group visibility nodes into hierarchical logical containers for a simple top-down view.

    Intelligent Prism
    in Topology View

     

    Users can clearly see visibility nodes and their connections to network infrastructure devices such as routers and switches, as well as to destination services like monitoring, security, and performance tools. The main screen provides an editable topology canvas showing all visibility appliances and their links to network sources and service destinations. An expandable left panel supports easy navigation and displays details for the selected entity without obstructing the overall topology view.

    Point & Click Simplicity

     

     

    By selecting devices from the topology view - or by drilling down through the Devices tab in the left panel - users can access detailed device information and status. This includes port-level status, connected interfaces, cross-connect mappings, and more.

    Niagara Visibility Controller - Key Features

    Centralized Visibility Orchestration

    • Single-pane-of-glass control for all Niagara visibility nodes

    • Treats TAPs, bypass switches, and packet brokers as one virtual visibility fabric

    • Intent-based configuration for fast, consistent provisioning across devices

    Auto-Discovery & Topology Visualization

    • Automatic detection of visibility nodes across the network

    • 360° topology visualization from system-wide to individual device level

    • Editable canvas showing device interconnections and traffic paths

    Visibility Groups & Granular Control

    • Logical grouping of visibility elements tailored to operational needs

    • Per-device and per-port visibility including status, mappings & metrics

    • Granular configuration of ports, flows & visibility workflows

    Advanced Provisioning & Sync

    • Configuration synchronization for new
      and existing deployments

    • Bulk firmware upgrades, backups, and configuration updates across nodes

    • Simplified provisioning of load balancing configurations and complex visibility scenario

    Hierarchical Administration & Security

    • Role-based access control for multi-team environments

    • Secure, segmented administration of visibility domains

    • Centralized syslog integration and device health status monitoring

    Scalable SDN Architecture

    • SDN-based controller design for large-scale, multi-site deployments

    • Works across physical, virtual, and hybrid IT infrastructures

    • REST API northbound interface for automation and 3rd-party integrations

    NVC use cases scheme

    Use Cases

    Connect to all visibility elements in the network for complete “pervasive” visibility. Acting as an orchestration solution, the Niagara Visibility Controller seamlessly provisions, enables, and enforces new, dynamic, on-demand visibility services, ensuring optimal network performance and adaptability.
    Read More (opens in a new tab)

    NVC streamlines NetOps by simplifying how visibility elements are provisioned and managed. By unifying TAPs, bypass switches, and packet brokers under one controller, NVC delivers real-time operational clarity and dramatically reduces the effort required to maintain complete network visibility.

    Watch the video (opens in a new tab)

    NVC – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    The Niagara Visibility Controller (NVC) is an SDN-based orchestration platform that centralizes the provisioning, configuration, and management of all Niagara visibility nodes - including TAPs, bypass switches & packet brokers.

    NVC eliminates manual, device-by-device configuration and provides a single-pane-of-glass to manage distributed visibility infrastructures, reducing errors and dramatically simplifying NetOps & SecOps workflows.

    By treating interconnected visibility nodes as one virtual switching fabric, NVC enables intent-based workflows, faster provisioning, and simplified multi-device configurations.

    Yes. NVC features auto-discovery and visual topology mapping, allowing teams to instantly view how devices are connected across the visibility layer.

    NVC centrally manages packet brokers, bypass switches, intelligent TAPs, and all supported Niagara visibility appliances. Visit our support portal to access the NVC user guide, release notes, and the full list of supported devices.

    Yes. NVC includes hierarchical administration with role-based permissions for secure, segmented operational control.

    Yes. NVC supports two-way configuration synchronization, bulk firmware updates, backups, and multi-node configuration updates from a single interface.

    Yes. NVC includes advanced load-balancing provisioning for complex multi-tool distribution scenarios.

    Yes. NVC displays device health, port statistics, traffic metrics, and syslog data across all managed visibility nodes.

    Absolutely. NVC uses an SDN-based architecture designed to scale across large, multi-site, physical, virtual, and hybrid deployments.

    Yes. NVC provides a northbound REST API for automation and integration with third-party systems.

    NVC is delivered as an OVF virtual machine image and can run on VMware ESXi/vSphere or Oracle VirtualBox.

    Unlock smarter visibility 

    Discover how Niagara’s Network Intelligence platform empowers NOC and SOC teams with advanced packet processing, deep traffic insight, and scalable performance across any environment.


    Fill out the form and our team will connect with you to explore how our solution can strengthen your network visibility strategy.

     

     

     

    Designed, Engineered & Manufactured in the USA

    From design to production, our solutions are built to the highest standards of quality, security, and performance, trusted by organizations worldwide and deployed in some of the world’s largest mission-critical networks.

    Connect with a Visibility Expert