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How to Create a Network Map in Zabbix

In this guide, you will learn how to create a network map in Zabbix to monitor your servers, switches, and internet connectivity. We will move beyond static diagrams and create a dynamic map with lines that change color based on connectivity and labels that display real-time values.

Part 1: Network Topology Overview

The topology used in this guide consists of the following components:

• Internet/Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1
• Firewall: pfSense
• Monitoring Server: Zabbix on Linux
• Network Switch: Aruba Switch
• Server: Windows Server 2025

Part 2: Adding an External Host (Cloudflare)

To monitor internet connectivity on our map, we first need to add Cloudflare as a host to run ping checks.

1. Create the Host

Navigate to Monitoring and then Hosts. Click Create Host in the top right.

• Host Name: Cloudflare
• Template: Search for and select "ICMP Ping".
• Host Group: Type "External" (or similar) to create a new group for external resources.

2. Configure the Interface

Add an interface (Agent type works fine). The most important field here is the IP address.

• IP Address: 1.1.1.1

The template will automatically pull data from this IP field, ignoring ports. Click Add. You can verify data is flowing by checking "Latest Data".

Part 3: Creating and Editing the Map

Navigate to Monitoring and select Maps. Click Create Map. Give your map a name (e.g., "My First Map") and adjust the width and height if you desire a larger canvas. Click Add, then select the map and click Edit.

1. Adding Map Elements

We will add elements to represent our devices.

1. Click Add under Map elements.
2. Click on the new element to edit it. Change Type to "Host".
3. Label: Use the following macros to dynamically display the name and IP:

{host.name}
{host.ip}

4. Host: Select the Cloudflare host created earlier.
5. Icon: Select "Cloud" and click Apply.

You can quickly create other devices by right-clicking the element, selecting Copy, and then Paste. For the pfSense device, change the host selection to your firewall and the icon to "Firewall".

Part 4: Linking Devices with Dynamic Triggers

To visualize connectivity, we link the devices and set color triggers based on their status.

1. Create a Link

Select two objects (e.g., Cloudflare and pfSense) by dragging or Ctrl-clicking. Click Add next to the Link label.

2. Add Link Indicators

Edit the created link:

• Line: Change to a bold line (border line) for better visibility.
• Link Indicator: Click Add. Select the correct host (e.g., Cloudflare).
• Trigger: Select "Unavailable by ICMP ping".
• Color: Set the color to Red.

Now, if the ping fails, the line connecting the devices will turn red.

Part 5: Displaying Live Data on Links

You can display real-time values, such as ping time or network speed, directly on the link lines.

1. Configure Link Labels

Edit the link between pfSense and Cloudflare. In the Label field, insert the specific key macro.

The format uses specific syntax to query the last value of a key:

{?last(/Cloudflare/icmp.ping.sec)}

This will display the live ping response time on the map connection. You can find the correct keys by looking at the Items list for any specific host.

Part 6: Adding the Map to the Dashboard

Finally, you can integrate this map into your main Zabbix dashboard.

1. Add a Dashboard Page

Go to your Dashboard and click Edit Dashboard. Hover over the "Add" button and select Add Page. Name the page "Map".

2. Add the Map Widget

In the widget configuration:

• Type: Select "Map".
• Map: Select the map you just created.
• Click Add and then Save the dashboard.

Your dashboard will now rotate between your main data and your new network map, providing a visual overview of your network health.

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