Graphical Network Map for IPv4 Subnet Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing large IP version 4 (IPv4) networks using traditional table-based methods is cumbersome due to the complexity of binary network addresses and subnet masks, which are not intuitive in decimal notation, making it difficult to efficiently view and manage networks with many subnets.
Innovation Solution
A graphical system for visualizing and managing networks using a multidimensional color representation, allowing administrators to interact with a two-dimensional grid to identify network ranges, zoom, and navigate hierarchies through human interface devices, eliminating the need for manual calculations of network addresses and subnet masks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional table-based methods are used to manage network addresses, then all network information can be tracked, but the interface becomes cumbersome and difficult to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional one-dimensional table interface into a two-dimensional graphical map interface. Network addresses are visualized as spatial locations on a map, with visual cues indicating network boundaries and subnets. This dimensional transformation allows administrators to navigate and manage large networks more intuitively by leveraging spatial reasoning rather than scrolling through lengthy tables.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the network address space as a graphical map. Instead of directly manipulating abstract address numbers in a table, administrators interact with a visual copy that represents the same information in an intuitive spatial format, making it easier to understand network relationships and perform management tasks.
2Loss of information
If detailed network address information is displayed in a table, then complete network data is visible, but the table becomes very long and difficult to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent displays network address information in a two-dimensional graphical map rather than a one-dimensional table. This allows the entire network address space to be visualized simultaneously in a compact format, eliminating the need to scroll through long tables while maintaining complete visibility of network boundaries, subnets, and address allocations through visual cues.
3Ease of operation
If binary network addresses are converted to decimal notation, then addresses are more readable, but manual calculations become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to automatically perform the complex binary-to-decimal conversions and network calculations. Administrators simply interact with the intuitive graphical interface using decimal notation, and the system handles all the underlying binary arithmetic and subnet mask calculations automatically, eliminating manual calculation complexity while maintaining readability.
Solution Approach 2:
The graphical map interface acts as an intermediary between the administrator and the underlying binary network address system. Administrators work with intuitive decimal addresses and visual representations, while the system mediates by handling all binary conversions and network calculations in the background, shielding users from complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed. A graphical representation is displayed of a network map of a network. A context indication is received for a network information specification for a first network segment of the network displayed on the graphical representation of the network map of the network. A first information is displayed on the graphical representation for the first network segment in response to the context indication. An action indication is received for a network management specification for the first network segment based at least in part on an interaction with the graphical representation of the network. The first network segment is modified based at least in part on the network management specification in response to the action indication.