A device that monitors a network element in a network topology of network elements within a software defined network (SDN) and identifies a first node state and a second node state for the network element. The device detects an occurrence of an error between the first node state and the second node state. The device determines a differential for the network element between the first node state and the second node state indicating changes to the network element occurring between the first node state and the second node state. The device, based on determining the differential, displays one or more attributes or the one or more relationships associated with the network element at the first node state, the second node state or the differential between states.