This program will draw a 3D model of a network structure using OpenGL. The
network structure will consist of connections between servers and be color coded to show bandwidth/transfer rates. The resulting visualization will allow users to see how intricate and interconnected a network, such as the internet, really is. In addition to this, the image generated may have good marketable value in the form of posters or other novelties. Basically, the project is designed to help learn network programming while also providing interesting graphics.
Each server will be instructed by a host computer to collect data on its connections and transfer rates, compile them into OpenGL display lists. This data will be sent back to the host computer where they will be combined with data from other servers and rendered.
By using the multicasting to spread the workload to major servers, instead of relying on one computer, any network can easily be compiled and rendered. The problem will occur in the combination of the data from all of the servers in such a way that is both time-efficient and that will create an aesthecically appealing visualization.