Graphical Network Topology Interface for Service Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configuring and managing internetworking services across multiple computers in a network is complex and difficult, requiring individual settings changes on each device, which can be challenging for new administrators without access to documentation.
Innovation Solution
A computer system that uses a pictorial graph with nodes representing logical network objects to visualize and configure internetworking services, allowing users to select nodes to modify settings and instantiate new services through a user-friendly interface, updating settings across multiple devices without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual settings are configured on each computer device to provide internetworking services, then the network service functionality is achieved, but the configuration complexity and time required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the configuration of multiple individual computer devices into a single centralized configuration interface. The system combines settings for VPN gateways, routers, and other network devices into one unified graphical interface where administrators can configure all internetworking services simultaneously rather than accessing each device separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a centralized network management system as an intermediary between the administrator and individual network devices. This mediator automatically translates high-level service configuration requests into device-specific settings, eliminating the need for administrators to manually configure each device individually.
2Manufacturing precision
If physical access to each computer device is required to modify settings, then precise configuration control is achieved, but the time and effort required for network administration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service configuration where the centralized management system automatically generates and applies configuration settings to individual devices based on service requirements. The system performs self-configuration tasks including automatic IP address assignment, routing table generation, and VPN parameter configuration without requiring physical access to each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary configuration actions at the centralized management level before deployment to individual devices. Administrators can pre-configure service parameters, security policies, and network settings in the centralized interface, which then automatically distributes these pre-configured settings to all relevant devices, eliminating the need for on-site configuration work.
3Measurement precision
If documentation is required to understand device configuration, then configuration accuracy is improved, but accessibility and ease of use deteriorate for new administrators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the entire network topology and device configuration state in a graphical interface. This visual representation copies all network relationships, device settings, and service configurations into an easily interpretable diagrammatic form, allowing administrators to understand and modify network structure without needing to read technical documentation or memorize configuration commands.
Data Source
AI summary
Computer systems and methods for improving a computer's ability to interface with a user to configure one or more internetworking services provided by a first group of computers for a second group of computers using a pictorial graph with nodes that represent logical network objects. In an embodiment, a computer system comprises: a display; a memory persistently storing a set of instructions and a set of data that defines a plurality of logical network objects; one or more processors coupled to the memory and the display, wherein the one or more processors execute the set of instructions, which causes the one or more processors to: retrieve, from the memory, the set of data that defines a plurality of logical network objects, wherein a first logical network object represents a particular internetworking service that is provided by one or more first computing devices among the plurality of computing devices in the computer network, and a second logical network object represents a corresponding grouping of one or more second computing devices of the plurality of computing devices in the computer network; cause to present, on the display, a plurality of nodes in a first pictorial graph, wherein each node in the plurality of nodes corresponds respectively to each object in the plurality of logical network objects.