Topology View GUI Icons for FCoE Ethernet Network Bridging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity in data center network management due to the integration of Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) and Ethernet fabrics complicates the management of interconnected networks with different protocols, making existing topology view management tools less intuitive and harder to navigate.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface (GUI) with topology views that utilize icons to represent connections between Fibre Channel and Ethernet networks, allowing administrators to easily switch between views without cluttering the interface, using linkage icons and context options like 'Locate' to manage interconnected networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple networks with different protocols (FCoE and Ethernet fabrics) are integrated into a single network, then network capability and connectivity are improved, but management complexity increases and topology views become harder to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the management interface into separate topology views (FCoE view and Ethernet view) that can be independently navigated. Each view displays only the relevant network elements for its protocol, preventing the manager from being overwhelmed by the entire heterogeneous network at once. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining comprehensive network capability while simplifying the management interface through protocol-based separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between FCoE and Ethernet networks. The gateway manages the protocol translation and interconnection details, allowing administrators to access both networks through a unified management interface without needing to understand the underlying protocol complexities. This intermediary approach maintains network versatility while reducing management complexity by abstracting the protocol differences.
2Loss of information
If topology views display all network elements to provide complete network visibility, then understanding the network as a whole is improved, but the interface becomes cluttered and harder to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the topology view into protocol-specific displays (FCoE topology view and Ethernet topology view). Each view shows only the network elements relevant to its protocol, providing complete visibility within the context of that protocol while avoiding clutter from unrelated elements. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining comprehensive network visibility through structured organization rather than attempting to display everything at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between different topology views based on the selected network context. The interface can transition between FCoE and Ethernet views as needed, allowing administrators to focus on specific protocol domains when detailed control is required while maintaining an overview of the complete network architecture. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by providing comprehensive visibility only when and where needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If FCoE gateway devices are added to connect Ethernet LAN and FC SAN networks, then network connectivity and host access to storage are improved, but the number of devices to manage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent presents the gateway device with dual functionality, allowing it to be managed within either the FCoE view or the Ethernet view depending on the selected topology context. This universal presentation approach allows administrators to manage the gateway using the same interface and methods regardless of which network view is active, reducing the effective number of devices to manage while maintaining comprehensive connectivity capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments which utilize a topology view GUI with elements in each of storage and general network views which indicate the connection to the alternate network via an icon. Properly selecting the icon causes the topology view of the other network to appear. This method allows the connections between the networks to be readily viewed without cluttering either topology and allows quick context changes to occur at the same point.