Graphical system visualization and flow display : A visual representation of an authentication, authorization, and accounting backend

Abstract: Displaying the architecture of a software system is not a simple task. Showing all of the available information will unnecessarily complicate the view, while showing too little might render the view unhelpful. Furthermore, showing the dynamics of the operation of such a system is even more challenging. This thesis project describes the development of a graphical tool that can both display the configuration of an advanced authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) system and the messages passed between nodes in the system.  The solution described uses force-based graph layouts coupled with adaptive filters as well as vector-based rendering to deliver a view of the status of the system. Force-based layout spreads out the nodes in an adaptive fashion. The adaptive filters starts by showing what is most often the most relevant information, but can be configured by the user. Finally, the vector based rendering offers unlimited zoom into the individual nodes in the graph in order to display additional detailed information. Unified Modeling Language (UML) sequence charts are used to display the message flow inside the system (both between nodes and inside individual nodes). To validate the results of this thesis project each iteration of the design was evaluated through meetings with the staff at Aptilo Networks. These meetings provided feedback on the direction the project was taking as well as provided input (such as ideas for features to implement). The result of this thesis project shows a way to display the status of an AAA system with multiple properties displayed at the same time. It combines this with a view of the flow of messages and application of policies in the network via a dynamically generated UML sequence diagram. As a result human operators are able to see both the system’s architecture and the dynamics of its operation using the same user interface. This integrated view should enable more effective management of the AAA system and facilitate responding to problems and attacks.