NEXUS: Local Subnet Topology Discovery
Defensive network inspection, ARP sweeps, and real-time state visualization.
Managing a local network with virtual machines, Docker containers, development boards, and servers requires clear visibility. NEXUS was designed from a defensive security perspective: it empowers administrators to inspect and monitor only networks they own and control.
Asynchronous Discovery Engine
The backend engine, built in Python 3.11 with FastAPI, performs non-intrusive ICMP echo sweeps and inspects kernel ARP cache tables (/proc/net/arp on Linux) to identify live hosts without aggressive port floods. Discovered MAC addresses are cross-referenced against official IEEE OUI databases to infer device manufacturer hardware.
Real-Time WebSocket Graph Streaming
As network states change (such as a device disconnecting or dropping packets), backend event listeners broadcast status deltas via WebSockets to the Next.js frontend. The UI updates its node topology graph in real time without polling or full page refreshes.