Feature Request: EPLAN-like Visualization for Topology Views in NetBox

[NNeujahr]

Hello everyone,

I’ve been thinking about ways to enhance the visualization of network topologies in NetBox, and one idea that came to mind is an EPLAN-style representation. For those who aren’t familiar, EPLAN provides highly detailed and professional schematics, widely used in the electrical engineering field. Wouldn't it be amazing if NetBox could offer a similar level of detail in its topology views? This could not only enhance the professionalism of the visualizations but also simplify the management of complex networks.

Benefits of an EPLAN-like visualization:
Detailed Visualization: A more precise and comprehensive view of the network topology, making it easier to understand complex relationships.
Professional Reporting: These diagrams could be directly incorporated into documentation or reports, providing a highly polished and professional presentation of network structures.
Error Reduction: A more detailed and standardized representation could help avoid misunderstandings or mistakes when configuring and connecting devices.
Is it technically feasible?
NetBox already has a modular architecture and a robust API, making plugin development relatively straightforward. There are existing plugins, such as "NetBox Topology Views," that improve visualization, but they don’t yet reach the level of detail seen in EPLAN. To implement this feature, we could either:

Extend an existing plugin like "NetBox Topology Views," or
Develop a new plugin specifically designed to emulate EPLAN-like diagrams.
Technically, it’s definitely possible, given NetBox’s open standards and flexibility. However, it would require dedicated development time, particularly focusing on graphical representation, symbol integration, and layout flexibility.

What do you all think? Could this be something worth pursuing? Would love to hear thoughts from the community, especially from those with experience in developing plugins for NetBox.

[dreng]

Prost Neujahr!

to be honest, I don't know if EPLAN is a good foundation to build on. I am familiar with this kind of schematics but I've never seen any network structures based on EPLAN yet.

Without really knowing, that sounds like a massive amount of work to me. For me, it wouldn't be worth the effort.

NTV is heavily dependent on the vis-network engine. On the one hand, this is an advantage because you don't have to reinvent the wheel and you don't have the work of your own engine on this scale. On the other hand, you miss some features, the development somehow doesn't go any further and you tinker with some functions yourself. I've also thought a few times about whether it would be a good idea to change the engine, fork it or redo it myself. But honestly, that would be far too much work. It would require at least 10 experienced developers who would have to sacrifice a lot of free time in the initial phase. We already have problems finding someone here who can fix their issues themselves with a PR.

In conclusion, regardless of whether your idea is a good one, I think it's unrealistic to make it a reality for now.