Add topology-canvas placeholder NE create (source=topology).

Toolbar and pane context menu create placeholders that follow the same setup path as LLDP in NE management and WebCRT.

Co-authored-by: Cursor <cursoragent@cursor.com>

netx_api/device_types.py

@@ -53,3 +53,20 @@ WEBCRT_NE_SOURCE = "webcrt"
 
 # ManagedNE.source for LLDP-discovered peers not yet in inventory (SSH shell, empty creds).
 LLDP_DISCOVERED_NE_SOURCE = "lldp"
+
+# ManagedNE.source for placeholders created manually on a topology canvas.
+TOPOLOGY_NE_SOURCE = "topology"
+
+# Incomplete hosts that need setup (NE edit / WebCRT New Session claim) before ops use.
+PLACEHOLDER_NE_SOURCES = frozenset(
+    {
+        LLDP_DISCOVERED_NE_SOURCE,
+        "lldp",
+        TOPOLOGY_NE_SOURCE,
+        "topology",
+    }
+)
+
+
+def is_placeholder_ne_source(source: str | None) -> bool:
+    return str(source or "").strip().lower() in PLACEHOLDER_NE_SOURCES

netx_api/ne_service_crud.py

@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ from fastapi import HTTPException
 from sqlalchemy import or_
 from sqlalchemy.orm import Session
 
-from .device_types import LLDP_DISCOVERED_NE_SOURCE, SUPPORTED_DEVICE_TYPES, SUPPORTED_VENDORS, WEBCRT_DEVICE_TYPES
+from .device_types import SUPPORTED_DEVICE_TYPES, SUPPORTED_VENDORS, WEBCRT_DEVICE_TYPES, is_placeholder_ne_source
 from .models import ManagedNE
 from .ne_crypto import encrypt_secret
 from .ne_hop_templates import default_bastion_username_template, default_hop_command_template
@@ -175,9 +175,9 @@ def update_managed_ne(db: Session, ne_id: str, body: ManagedNeUpdate) -> Managed
     )
     if any(k in data for k in hop_keys):
         _apply_hop_update(row, data)
-    # Filling IP on an LLDP placeholder promotes it into real inventory.
+    # Filling IP on an LLDP / topology placeholder promotes it into real inventory.
     if "ip_address" in data and str(row.ip_address or "").strip():
-        if str(row.source or "").strip().lower() in {LLDP_DISCOVERED_NE_SOURCE, "lldp"}:
+        if is_placeholder_ne_source(row.source):
             row.source = ""
     row.updated_at = _now()
     # Keep linked fabric node identity in sync (name / IP / vendor).

netx_api/ne_service_webcrt.py

@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ from typing import Any
 from fastapi import HTTPException
 from sqlalchemy.orm import Session
 
-from .device_types import LLDP_DISCOVERED_NE_SOURCE, WEBCRT_DEVICE_TYPES, WEBCRT_NE_SOURCE
+from .device_types import WEBCRT_DEVICE_TYPES, WEBCRT_NE_SOURCE, is_placeholder_ne_source
 from .models import ManagedNE
 from .ne_crypto import encrypt_secret
 from .ne_schemas import ManagedNeCreate, ManagedNeOut
@@ -26,14 +26,15 @@ from .ne_service_common import (
 
 
 def _is_webcrt_claimable(row: ManagedNE) -> bool:
-    """LLDP placeholders / incomplete rows (no IP) can be promoted into WebCRT sessions."""
+    """LLDP / topology placeholders / incomplete rows (no IP) can be promoted into WebCRT sessions."""
     src = str(row.source or "").strip().lower()
-    if src in {LLDP_DISCOVERED_NE_SOURCE, "lldp"}:
+    if is_placeholder_ne_source(src):
         return True
     if src in {WEBCRT_NE_SOURCE, "webcrt", "ume_sync"}:
         return False
     return not str(row.ip_address or "").strip()
 
+
 def _normalize_webcrt_device_type(device_type: str) -> str:
     dt = str(device_type or "").strip()
     low = dt.lower()

netx_api/topology_discover_common.py

@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ from fastapi import HTTPException
 from sqlalchemy.orm import Session
 
 from .cli_resolve import get_default_profile, infer_device_type_vendor
-from .device_types import LLDP_DISCOVERED_NE_SOURCE
+from .device_types import is_placeholder_ne_source
 from .models import ManagedNE, TopoDiscoverJob, TopoDiscoverJobItem, UmeInventoryNE
 from .topology_common import _RAW_PREVIEW_MAX
 from .topology_schemas import (
@@ -26,8 +26,8 @@ def _raw_preview(raw: str, *, limit: int = _RAW_PREVIEW_MAX) -> str:
 
 
 def _is_lldp_placeholder_ne(ne: ManagedNE) -> bool:
-    """LLDP SSH placeholders have no credentials until the operator promotes them."""
+    """Incomplete placeholders (LLDP / topology) must not be used as discover targets."""
-    return str(ne.source or "").strip().lower() in {LLDP_DISCOVERED_NE_SOURCE, "lldp"}
+    return is_placeholder_ne_source(ne.source)
 
 
 def _managed_target_dict(ne: ManagedNE) -> dict[str, str]:

netx_api/topology_fabric_links.py

@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ from sqlalchemy.exc import IntegrityError
 from sqlalchemy.orm import Session
 
 from .cli_resolve import get_default_profile, infer_device_type_vendor
-from .device_types import LLDP_DISCOVERED_NE_SOURCE, WEBCRT_NE_SOURCE
+from .device_types import LLDP_DISCOVERED_NE_SOURCE, WEBCRT_NE_SOURCE, is_placeholder_ne_source
 from .models import (
     ManagedNE,
     TopoFabricEdge,
@@ -477,7 +477,7 @@ def merge_duplicate_fabric_nodes(db: Session) -> dict[str, int]:
         _absorb(canon, [p])
         db.flush()
         # Drop placeholder ManagedNE if nothing else references it.
-        if ph_ne is not None and str(ph_ne.source or "").strip().lower() == LLDP_DISCOVERED_NE_SOURCE:
+        if ph_ne is not None and is_placeholder_ne_source(ph_ne.source):
             still = (
                 db.query(TopoFabricNode)
                 .filter(TopoFabricNode.managed_ne_id == ph_ne.id)

netx_api/topology_fabric_peers.py

@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ from sqlalchemy.exc import IntegrityError
 from sqlalchemy.orm import Session
 
 from .cli_resolve import get_default_profile, infer_device_type_vendor
-from .device_types import LLDP_DISCOVERED_NE_SOURCE, WEBCRT_NE_SOURCE
+from .device_types import LLDP_DISCOVERED_NE_SOURCE, WEBCRT_NE_SOURCE, is_placeholder_ne_source
 from .models import (
     ManagedNE,
     TopoFabricEdge,
@@ -70,11 +70,11 @@ def _managed_source(db: Session, ne_id: str | None) -> str:
 
 
 def _ne_inventory_score(ne: ManagedNE) -> int:
-    """Prefer real inventory over LLDP placeholders; never prefer WebCRT twins."""
+    """Prefer real inventory over placeholders; never prefer WebCRT twins."""
     src = str(ne.source or "").strip().lower()
     if src == WEBCRT_NE_SOURCE:
         return 0
-    if src == LLDP_DISCOVERED_NE_SOURCE:
+    if is_placeholder_ne_source(src):
         return 1
     return 2
 
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ def _fabric_match_score(db: Session, n: TopoFabricNode) -> int:
 
     WebCRT quick-connect intentionally allows duplicate IPs as separate ManagedNE
     rows; those must lose to real inventory NEs with the same address.
-    LLDP placeholders (SSH shell, empty creds) rank above WebCRT, below real NEs.
+    LLDP / topology placeholders (SSH shell, empty creds) rank above WebCRT, below real NEs.
     """
     if str(n.ume_ne_id or "").strip():
         return 3
@@ -94,7 +94,7 @@ def _fabric_match_score(db: Session, n: TopoFabricNode) -> int:
     src = _managed_source(db, mid)
     if src == WEBCRT_NE_SOURCE:
         return 1
-    if src == LLDP_DISCOVERED_NE_SOURCE:
+    if is_placeholder_ne_source(src):
         return 2
     return 4
 

netx_api/topology_inventory_lifecycle.py

@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ from fastapi import HTTPException
 from sqlalchemy.orm import Session
 from sqlalchemy.orm.attributes import flag_modified
 
-from .device_types import LLDP_DISCOVERED_NE_SOURCE, WEBCRT_NE_SOURCE
+from .device_types import LLDP_DISCOVERED_NE_SOURCE, WEBCRT_NE_SOURCE, is_placeholder_ne_source
 from .models import (
     ManagedNE,
     TopoFabricEdge,
@@ -28,6 +28,7 @@ _NON_INVENTORY_MANAGED_SOURCES = frozenset(
         WEBCRT_NE_SOURCE,
         "lldp",
         "webcrt",
+        "topology",
     }
 )
 
@@ -64,7 +65,9 @@ def managed_source_label(source: str | None) -> str:
     src = str(source or "").strip().lower()
     if src == UME_SYNC_SOURCE:
         return "ume_sync"
-    if src == LLDP_DISCOVERED_NE_SOURCE or src == "lldp":
+    if is_placeholder_ne_source(src):
+        if src in {"topology"}:
+            return "topology"
         return "lldp"
     if src == WEBCRT_NE_SOURCE or src == "webcrt":
         return "webcrt"

netx_api/topology_router.py

@@ -34,6 +34,7 @@ from .topology_schemas import (
     SliceGenerateRequest,
     TopologyFolderCreate,
     TopologyFolderUpdate,
+    TopologyPlaceholderCreate,
     TopologyViewCreate,
     TopologyViewUpdate,
     ViewEdgeStylePatch,
@@ -56,6 +57,7 @@ from .topology_views import (
     add_nodes_to_view,
     bootstrap_topology_tree,
     create_folder,
+    create_topology_placeholder_on_view,
     create_view,
     delete_folder,
     delete_view,
@@ -289,6 +291,15 @@ def api_add_nodes(
     return add_nodes_to_view(db, view_id, body).model_dump()
 
 
+@router.post("/views/{view_id}/nodes/create-placeholder")
+def api_create_topology_placeholder(
+    view_id: str,
+    body: TopologyPlaceholderCreate,
+    db: Session = Depends(get_db),
+) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    return create_topology_placeholder_on_view(db, view_id, body).model_dump()
+
+
 @router.post("/views/{view_id}/project-neighbors")
 def api_project_neighbors(view_id: str, db: Session = Depends(get_db)) -> dict[str, Any]:
     return project_fabric_neighbors_to_view(db, view_id).model_dump()

netx_api/topology_schemas.py

@@ -356,6 +356,15 @@ class ViewNodesAdd(BaseModel):
     return_graph: bool = True
 
 
+class TopologyPlaceholderCreate(BaseModel):
+    """Create a canvas placeholder ManagedNE (source=topology) and place it on the view."""
+
+    name: str = Field(min_length=1, max_length=256)
+    ip_address: str = ""
+    x: float = 0.0
+    y: float = 0.0
+
+
 class ViewNodesRemove(BaseModel):
     """Remove placements from a view (does not delete fabric). Filter and/or id list."""
 

netx_api/topology_service.py

@@ -37,6 +37,7 @@ from .topology_views import (
     add_nodes_to_view,
     bootstrap_topology_tree,
     create_folder,
+    create_topology_placeholder_on_view,
     create_view,
     delete_folder,
     delete_view,
@@ -65,6 +66,7 @@ __all__ = [
     "add_nodes_to_view",
     "bootstrap_topology_tree",
     "create_folder",
+    "create_topology_placeholder_on_view",
     "create_view",
     "delete_folder",
     "delete_view",

netx_api/topology_views.py

@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ from __future__ import annotations
 from .topology_views_graph import (
     _place_fabric_ids_on_view,
     add_nodes_to_view,
+    create_topology_placeholder_on_view,
     get_view_graph,
     patch_view_edge_style,
     patch_view_positions,
@@ -29,6 +30,7 @@ __all__ = [
     "add_nodes_to_view",
     "bootstrap_topology_tree",
     "create_folder",
+    "create_topology_placeholder_on_view",
     "create_view",
     "delete_folder",
     "delete_view",

netx_api/topology_views_graph.py

@@ -52,6 +52,7 @@ from .topology_schemas import (
     TopologyFolderCreate,
     TopologyFolderOut,
     TopologyFolderUpdate,
+    TopologyPlaceholderCreate,
     TopologyTreeFolderOut,
     TopologyTreeOut,
     TopologyTreeViewOut,
@@ -784,6 +785,80 @@ def add_nodes_to_view(
     )
 
 
+def create_topology_placeholder_on_view(
+    db: Session,
+    view_id: str,
+    body: TopologyPlaceholderCreate,
+) -> TopologyViewGraphOut:
+    """Create a ManagedNE with source=topology, ensure fabric node, place on the view."""
+    from .device_types import TOPOLOGY_NE_SOURCE
+    from .ne_service_common import _normalize_ip
+
+    view = _get_view_or_404(db, view_id)
+    mem = _membership_for_view(view)
+    max_nodes = int(mem.get("max_nodes") or 300)
+    existing_count = (
+        db.query(func.count(TopoViewNode.id)).filter(TopoViewNode.view_id == view.id).scalar() or 0
+    )
+    if int(existing_count) >= max_nodes:
+        raise HTTPException(status_code=400, detail="membership_max_nodes")
+
+    display = str(body.name or "").strip()[:256]
+    if not display:
+        raise HTTPException(status_code=400, detail="name_required")
+    ip = _normalize_ip(body.ip_address)[:128]
+    now = _utcnow()
+    ne = ManagedNE(
+        id=uuid4().hex,
+        name=display,
+        vendor="Other",
+        device_type="generic",
+        ip_address=ip,
+        port=22,
+        protocol="ssh",
+        username="",
+        password_enc="",
+        enable_secret_enc="",
+        connect_status="unknown",
+        tags="",
+        remark="Created on topology canvas",
+        source=TOPOLOGY_NE_SOURCE,
+        source_ref="",
+        created_at=now,
+        updated_at=now,
+    )
+    db.add(ne)
+    db.flush()
+    fabric = ensure_fabric_node_for_managed(db, ne)
+
+    already = (
+        db.query(TopoViewNode)
+        .filter(TopoViewNode.view_id == view.id, TopoViewNode.fabric_node_id == fabric.id)
+        .one_or_none()
+    )
+    if already is None:
+        db.add(
+            TopoViewNode(
+                id=uuid4().hex,
+                view_id=view.id,
+                fabric_node_id=fabric.id,
+                x=float(body.x or 0.0),
+                y=float(body.y or 0.0),
+                label="",
+                locked=False,
+                created_at=now,
+                updated_at=now,
+            )
+        )
+    else:
+        already.x = float(body.x or already.x or 0.0)
+        already.y = float(body.y or already.y or 0.0)
+        already.updated_at = now
+    view.updated_at = now
+    db.commit()
+    return get_view_graph(db, view.id)
+
+
 def _neighbor_ids(
     db: Session, *, seed_ids: set[str], layer: str, hops: int
 ) -> set[str]:

tests/test_managed_ne.py

@@ -573,6 +573,46 @@ class WebcrtUpsertAndTargetsTests(unittest.TestCase):
         self.assertEqual(hit["ne_source"], WEBCRT_NE_SOURCE)
         self.assertEqual(hit["ip_address"], "10.9.9.9")
 
+    def test_claim_topology_placeholder_promotes_to_webcrt(self):
+        from netx_api.device_types import TOPOLOGY_NE_SOURCE
+        from netx_api.ne_service_common import _now
+
+        now = _now()
+        row = ManagedNE(
+            name="TOPO-PH-01",
+            vendor="Other",
+            device_type="generic",
+            ip_address="",
+            port=22,
+            protocol="ssh",
+            username="",
+            password_enc="",
+            enable_secret_enc="",
+            connect_status="unknown",
+            tags="",
+            remark="",
+            source=TOPOLOGY_NE_SOURCE,
+            source_ref="",
+            created_at=now,
+            updated_at=now,
+        )
+        self.db.add(row)
+        self.db.commit()
+        self.db.refresh(row)
+        out, action = upsert_webcrt_session_host(
+            self.db,
+            ne_id=row.id,
+            name="TOPO-PH-01",
+            ip_address="10.9.9.10",
+            protocol="ssh",
+            username="admin",
+            password="secret",
+            save_password=True,
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(action, "updated")
+        self.assertEqual(out.id, row.id)
+        self.assertEqual(out.source, WEBCRT_NE_SOURCE)
+
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":
     unittest.main()

tests/test_topology.py

@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ from sqlalchemy.exc import OperationalError
 from netx_api import topology_lldp as lldp
 from netx_api import topology_service as svc
 from netx_api.db import Base, SessionLocal, engine
-from netx_api.device_types import LLDP_DISCOVERED_NE_SOURCE, WEBCRT_NE_SOURCE
+from netx_api.device_types import LLDP_DISCOVERED_NE_SOURCE, TOPOLOGY_NE_SOURCE, WEBCRT_NE_SOURCE
 from netx_api.models import (
     ManagedNE,
     TopoDiscoverJob,
@@ -28,6 +28,7 @@ from netx_api.models import (
 from netx_api.topology_schemas import (
     FabricDiscoverRequest,
     TopologyFolderCreate,
+    TopologyPlaceholderCreate,
     TopologyViewCreate,
     ViewNodesAdd,
     ViewPopulateRequest,
@@ -357,6 +358,30 @@ class FabricTopologyTests(unittest.TestCase):
         self.db.delete(ne)
         self.db.commit()
 
+    def test_create_topology_placeholder_on_view(self) -> None:
+        suffix = uuid4().hex[:8]
+        view = svc.create_view(
+            self.db,
+            TopologyViewCreate(name=f"Vph-{suffix}", folder_id=self._region(f"Rph-{suffix}")),
+        )
+        graph = svc.create_topology_placeholder_on_view(
+            self.db,
+            view.id,
+            TopologyPlaceholderCreate(name=f"SW-{suffix}", ip_address="", x=42, y=77),
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(len(graph.nodes), 1)
+        node = graph.nodes[0]
+        self.assertEqual(node.name, f"SW-{suffix}")
+        self.assertEqual(node.x, 42)
+        self.assertEqual(node.y, 77)
+        self.assertTrue(node.managed_ne_id)
+        ne = self.db.get(ManagedNE, node.managed_ne_id)
+        self.assertIsNotNone(ne)
+        assert ne is not None
+        self.assertEqual(ne.source, TOPOLOGY_NE_SOURCE)
+        self.assertEqual(ne.ip_address, "")
+        self.assertEqual(ne.device_type, "generic")
+
     def test_topology_tree_root_region_and_leaf(self) -> None:
         tree = svc.get_topology_tree(self.db)
         self.assertIsNotNone(tree.root)

web/src/i18n/en.ts

@@ -737,6 +737,7 @@ const en = {
       ume_sync: "UME sync",
       webcrt: "WebCRT",
       lldp: "LLDP placeholder",
+      topology: "Topology placeholder",
     },
     connect: {
       run: "Connectivity test",
@@ -1123,9 +1124,9 @@ const en = {
     },
     newSession: {
       title: "New Session",
-      claimTitle: "Complete LLDP placeholder",
+      claimTitle: "Complete placeholder session",
       claimHint:
-        "Enter a reachable host. Session name defaults to the LLDP placeholder. On success, source becomes WebCRT.",
+        "Enter a reachable host. Session name defaults to the placeholder name. On success, source becomes WebCRT.",
       connect: "Connect",
       connecting: "Connecting…",
       protocol: "Protocol",
@@ -1454,6 +1455,18 @@ const en = {
     removeNode: "Remove from canvas",
     removeEdge: "Delete edge",
     nodeMenu: "Node",
+    paneMenu: "Canvas",
+    createNe: "Create NE",
+    createNeTitle: "Create topology placeholder NE",
+    createNeHint:
+      "Source is topology placeholder. Complete login via WebCRT, or promote in NE management.",
+    createNeName: "Name",
+    createNeNamePh: "e.g. SW-CORE-01",
+    createNeNameRequired: "NE name is required",
+    createNeIp: "IP (optional)",
+    createNeIpPh: "Can fill later during setup",
+    createNeDone: "Created placeholder {{name}}",
+    createNeBusy: "Creating…",
     selectionMenu: "Selection",
     edgeStyle: "Edge style",
     edgeColor: "Color",

web/src/i18n/zh.ts

@@ -732,6 +732,7 @@ const zh = {
       ume_sync: "UME 同步",
       webcrt: "WebCRT",
       lldp: "LLDP 占位",
+      topology: "拓扑占位",
     },
     connect: {
       run: "连通性测试",
@@ -1117,8 +1118,8 @@ const zh = {
     },
     newSession: {
       title: "新建会话",
-      claimTitle: "完善 LLDP 占位会话",
+      claimTitle: "完善占位会话",
-      claimHint: "请填写可达地址；会话名默认使用 LLDP 占位名。连接成功后来源将更新为 WebCRT。",
+      claimHint: "请填写可达地址；会话名默认使用占位名。连接成功后来源将更新为 WebCRT。",
       connect: "连接",
       connecting: "连接中…",
       protocol: "协议",
@@ -1447,6 +1448,17 @@ const zh = {
     removeNode: "从画布移除",
     removeEdge: "删除链路",
     nodeMenu: "网元",
+    paneMenu: "画布",
+    createNe: "建立网元",
+    createNeTitle: "建立拓扑占位网元",
+    createNeHint: "来源为拓扑占位；完善登录信息后可在 WebCRT 连接，或在网元管理升级为手工。",
+    createNeName: "名称",
+    createNeNamePh: "例如 SW-CORE-01",
+    createNeNameRequired: "请填写网元名称",
+    createNeIp: "IP（可选）",
+    createNeIpPh: "可稍后在完善时填写",
+    createNeDone: "已建立占位网元 {{name}}",
+    createNeBusy: "创建中…",
     selectionMenu: "多选",
     edgeStyle: "链路样式",
     edgeColor: "颜色",

web/src/pages/NePage.tsx

@@ -112,10 +112,12 @@ function applyHopTemplate(prev: FormState, protocol: string, vrf: string, force
   return { hop_command_template: defaultHopTemplate(prev.hop_vendor, protocol, vrf) };
 }
 
-function managedSourceKey(source: string | undefined): "manual" | "ume_sync" | "webcrt" | "lldp" | "" {
+function managedSourceKey(
+  source: string | undefined,
+): "manual" | "ume_sync" | "webcrt" | "lldp" | "topology" | "" {
   const s = String(source || "").trim().toLowerCase();
   if (!s) return "manual";
-  if (s === "ume_sync" || s === "webcrt" || s === "lldp") return s;
+  if (s === "ume_sync" || s === "webcrt" || s === "lldp" || s === "topology") return s;
   return "";
 }
 

web/src/pages/TopologyPage.tsx

@@ -36,6 +36,7 @@ import {
   addTopologyViewNodes,
   createFabricManualEdge,
   createTopologyFolder,
+  createTopologyPlaceholder,
   createTopologyView,
   deleteTopologyFolder,
   deleteTopologyMap,
@@ -298,7 +299,8 @@ type TopoDisplayOpts = {
 type CtxMenu =
   | { kind: "node"; id: string; x: number; y: number }
   | { kind: "edge"; id: string; x: number; y: number }
-  | { kind: "selection"; x: number; y: number };
+  | { kind: "selection"; x: number; y: number }
+  | { kind: "pane"; x: number; y: number; flowX: number; flowY: number };
 
 const TopoDisplayContext = createContext<TopoDisplayOpts>({
   hideIp: true,
@@ -853,6 +855,13 @@ export function TopologyPage() {
   const [paletteSource, setPaletteSource] = useState<PaletteSource>("managed");
   const [paletteSelectedKeys, setPaletteSelectedKeys] = useState<string[]>([]);
   const [paletteAdding, setPaletteAdding] = useState(false);
+  const [createNeDialog, setCreateNeDialog] = useState<{
+    flowX: number;
+    flowY: number;
+    name: string;
+    ip_address: string;
+  } | null>(null);
+  const [createNeBusy, setCreateNeBusy] = useState(false);
   const [discoverOpen, setDiscoverOpen] = useState(false);
   const [discovering, setDiscovering] = useState(false);
   const [discoverReport, setDiscoverReport] = useState<TopologyDiscoverOut | null>(null);
@@ -2084,8 +2093,8 @@ export function TopologyPage() {
           const src = String(ne.source || "").trim().toLowerCase();
           const hasIp = Boolean(String(ne.ip_address || "").trim());
           // Ready inventory hosts: reuse stored credentials (incl. hop/proxy).
-          // LLDP placeholders / incomplete rows → full NE edit form (vendor, hop, etc.).
+          // LLDP / topology placeholders / incomplete rows → full NE edit form.
-          const needsSetup = !hasIp || src === "lldp";
+          const needsSetup = !hasIp || src === "lldp" || src === "topology";
           if (!needsSetup) {
             openOrFocusModule({
               moduleId: "webcrt",
@@ -2180,6 +2189,11 @@ export function TopologyPage() {
     void runDiscover([id]);
   };
 
+  const openCreateNeAt = (flowX: number, flowY: number) => {
+    closeCtxMenu();
+    setCreateNeDialog({ flowX, flowY, name: "", ip_address: "" });
+  };
+
   const placeCtxMenu = (clientX: number, clientY: number, size?: { w?: number; h?: number }): { x: number; y: number } => {
     const pad = 8;
     const w = size?.w ?? 200;
@@ -2206,6 +2220,58 @@ export function TopologyPage() {
     [setNodes, setEdges],
   );
 
+  const submitCreateNe = useCallback(async () => {
+    if (!mapId || !createNeDialog) return;
+    const name = createNeDialog.name.trim();
+    if (!name) {
+      showError(t("topology.createNeNameRequired"));
+      return;
+    }
+    setCreateNeBusy(true);
+    try {
+      const graph = await createTopologyPlaceholder(mapId, {
+        name,
+        ip_address: createNeDialog.ip_address.trim(),
+        x: createNeDialog.flowX,
+        y: createNeDialog.flowY,
+      });
+      queryClient.setQueryData(queryKeys.topologyGraph(mapId), graph);
+      historyLockRef.current = true;
+      applyViewGraph(graph, edgeDefaults, setNodes, setEdges);
+      historyLockRef.current = false;
+      clearDirty();
+      const created = graph.nodes.find(
+        (n) =>
+          String(n.name || "").trim() === name &&
+          Math.abs(Number(n.x) - createNeDialog.flowX) < 0.5 &&
+          Math.abs(Number(n.y) - createNeDialog.flowY) < 0.5,
+      );
+      if (created?.fabric_node_id) {
+        focusNode(created.fabric_node_id, false);
+      }
+      setCreateNeDialog(null);
+      showOk(t("topology.createNeDone").replace("{{name}}", name));
+      void queryClient.invalidateQueries({ queryKey: ["managedNe"] });
+      void queryClient.invalidateQueries({ queryKey: ["webcrtTargets"] });
+    } catch (err) {
+      showError(String(err));
+    } finally {
+      setCreateNeBusy(false);
+    }
+  }, [
+    mapId,
+    createNeDialog,
+    queryClient,
+    edgeDefaults,
+    setNodes,
+    setEdges,
+    clearDirty,
+    showError,
+    showOk,
+    t,
+    focusNode,
+  ]);
+
   const locateNode = useCallback(
     (nodeId: string) => {
       focusNode(nodeId, false);
@@ -2858,6 +2924,29 @@ export function TopologyPage() {
               >
                 {t("topology.addNe")}
               </button>
+              <button
+                type="button"
+                className="btn btn--sm"
+                onClick={() => {
+                  let flowX = 80 + nodes.length * 24;
+                  let flowY = 80 + nodes.length * 24;
+                  if (rfRef.current) {
+                    const pane = document.querySelector(".react-flow__pane");
+                    const rect = pane?.getBoundingClientRect();
+                    if (rect && rect.width > 0 && rect.height > 0) {
+                      const center = rfRef.current.screenToFlowPosition({
+                        x: rect.left + rect.width / 2,
+                        y: rect.top + rect.height / 2,
+                      });
+                      flowX = center.x;
+                      flowY = center.y;
+                    }
+                  }
+                  openCreateNeAt(flowX, flowY);
+                }}
+              >
+                {t("topology.createNe")}
+              </button>
               <button type="button" className="btn btn--sm btn--ghost" onClick={() => goBackBrowse()}>
                 {t("topology.backUp")}
               </button>
@@ -3736,6 +3825,21 @@ export function TopologyPage() {
                     const pos = placeCtxMenu(e.clientX, e.clientY);
                     setCtxMenu({ kind: "selection", ...pos });
                   }}
+                  onPaneContextMenu={(e) => {
+                    e.preventDefault();
+                    if (!rfRef.current) return;
+                    const flow = rfRef.current.screenToFlowPosition({
+                      x: e.clientX,
+                      y: e.clientY,
+                    });
+                    const pos = placeCtxMenu(e.clientX, e.clientY, { w: 180, h: 100 });
+                    setCtxMenu({
+                      kind: "pane",
+                      ...pos,
+                      flowX: flow.x,
+                      flowY: flow.y,
+                    });
+                  }}
                   onMoveStart={closeCtxMenu}
                   onInit={(inst) => {
                     rfRef.current = inst as ReactFlowInstance<Node<NeNodeData>, Edge>;
@@ -3779,6 +3883,94 @@ export function TopologyPage() {
         )}
       </main>
 
+      {createNeDialog && canvasMode ? (
+        <div
+          className="topo-modal"
+          role="dialog"
+          aria-modal="true"
+          aria-labelledby="topo-create-ne-title"
+        >
+          <div
+            className="topo-modal__backdrop"
+            onClick={() => {
+              if (createNeBusy) return;
+              setCreateNeDialog(null);
+            }}
+          />
+          <div className="topo-modal__panel" style={{ maxWidth: 420 }}>
+            <div className="topo-modal__head">
+              <strong id="topo-create-ne-title">{t("topology.createNeTitle")}</strong>
+              <button
+                type="button"
+                className="btn btn--sm btn--ghost"
+                disabled={createNeBusy}
+                onClick={() => setCreateNeDialog(null)}
+              >
+                {t("topology.discoverClose")}
+              </button>
+            </div>
+            <p className="panel__hint topo-modal__hint">{t("topology.createNeHint")}</p>
+            <div className="form-grid" style={{ padding: "0 16px 8px" }}>
+              <label>
+                <span className="form-label">
+                  {t("topology.createNeName")}
+                  <span className="form-label__required" aria-hidden="true">
+                    {" "}
+                    *
+                  </span>
+                </span>
+                <input
+                  autoFocus
+                  value={createNeDialog.name}
+                  placeholder={t("topology.createNeNamePh")}
+                  disabled={createNeBusy}
+                  onChange={(e) =>
+                    setCreateNeDialog((prev) => (prev ? { ...prev, name: e.target.value } : prev))
+                  }
+                  onKeyDown={(e) => {
+                    if (e.key === "Enter") void submitCreateNe();
+                  }}
+                />
+              </label>
+              <label>
+                <span className="form-label">{t("topology.createNeIp")}</span>
+                <input
+                  value={createNeDialog.ip_address}
+                  placeholder={t("topology.createNeIpPh")}
+                  disabled={createNeBusy}
+                  onChange={(e) =>
+                    setCreateNeDialog((prev) =>
+                      prev ? { ...prev, ip_address: e.target.value } : prev,
+                    )
+                  }
+                  onKeyDown={(e) => {
+                    if (e.key === "Enter") void submitCreateNe();
+                  }}
+                />
+              </label>
+            </div>
+            <div className="topo-modal__foot">
+              <button
+                type="button"
+                className="btn btn--ghost"
+                disabled={createNeBusy}
+                onClick={() => setCreateNeDialog(null)}
+              >
+                {t("topology.discoverClose")}
+              </button>
+              <button
+                type="button"
+                className="btn btn--primary"
+                disabled={createNeBusy}
+                onClick={() => void submitCreateNe()}
+              >
+                {createNeBusy ? t("topology.createNeBusy") : t("topology.createNe")}
+              </button>
+            </div>
+          </div>
+        </div>
+      ) : null}
+
       {addNeOpen && canvasMode ? (
         <div className="topo-modal" role="dialog" aria-modal="true" aria-label={t("topology.addNe")}>
           <div
@@ -3974,6 +4166,22 @@ export function TopologyPage() {
                 </button>
               </li>
             </>
+          ) : ctxMenu.kind === "pane" ? (
+            <>
+              <li className="topo-ctx__head" role="presentation">
+                {t("topology.paneMenu")}
+              </li>
+              <li role="none">
+                <button
+                  type="button"
+                  className="topo-ctx__item"
+                  role="menuitem"
+                  onClick={() => openCreateNeAt(ctxMenu.flowX, ctxMenu.flowY)}
+                >
+                  {t("topology.createNe")}
+                </button>
+              </li>
+            </>
           ) : ctxMenu.kind === "node" ? (
             <>
               <li className="topo-ctx__head" role="presentation">

web/src/pages/WebcrtPage.tsx

@@ -355,7 +355,7 @@ function isInventorySsh(target: Pick<CliTargetItem, "source" | "protocol">): boo
   return String(target.protocol || "ssh").toLowerCase() !== "telnet";
 }
 
-/** LLDP placeholders / incomplete inventory rows need New Session (host/IP) before auth. */
+/** LLDP / topology placeholders / incomplete inventory rows need New Session (host/IP) before auth. */
 function needsSessionSetup(
   target: Pick<CliTargetItem, "source" | "ne_source" | "ip_address">,
 ): boolean {
@@ -363,7 +363,7 @@ function needsSessionSetup(
   if (listSrc === "ume") return false;
   if (listSrc !== "managed" && listSrc !== "webcrt") return false;
   const neSrc = String(target.ne_source || "").trim().toLowerCase();
-  if (neSrc === "lldp") return true;
+  if (neSrc === "lldp" || neSrc === "topology") return true;
   return !String(target.ip_address || "").trim();
 }
 

web/src/pages/network/TopologyClassifyPage.tsx

@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ function isFabricNodeDeletable(n: FabricNodeSearchHit): boolean {
   }
   if (n.managed_alive === false) return true;
   const src = String(n.managed_source || "").toLowerCase();
-  return src === "lldp" || src === "webcrt";
+  return src === "lldp" || src === "topology" || src === "webcrt";
 }
 
 export function TopologyClassifyPage() {

web/src/services/api.ts

@@ -1070,6 +1070,15 @@ export const addTopologyViewNodes = (
   },
 ) => apiPost<TopologyViewGraph>(`/v1/topology/views/${encodeURIComponent(viewId)}/nodes`, body);
 
+export const createTopologyPlaceholder = (
+  viewId: string,
+  body: { name: string; ip_address?: string; x?: number; y?: number },
+) =>
+  apiPost<TopologyViewGraph>(
+    `/v1/topology/views/${encodeURIComponent(viewId)}/nodes/create-placeholder`,
+    body,
+  );
+
 export const removeTopologyViewNodes = (viewId: string, fabricNodeIds: string[]) =>
   apiPost<TopologyViewGraph>(`/v1/topology/views/${encodeURIComponent(viewId)}/nodes/remove`, {
     fabric_node_ids: fabricNodeIds,