Hybrid Command Interface for Network Device Provisioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Command line interfaces struggle to effectively display graphical objects such as tables, graphs, and topologies, making it difficult for network operators to interpret responses from network devices, and conventional graphical user interfaces are often slow and complex.
Innovation Solution
A command interface capable of generating graphical displays within the same window, allowing users to mix command line and graphical formats, and enabling provisioning of devices through a web-browser with user-configurable specifications for output formats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If command line interface is used, then direct access and raw command capability are provided, but graphical objects such as tables, graphs, and topologies cannot be effectively displayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines command line interface and graphical user interface capabilities into a single hybrid interface. The interface can display both text-based commands and graphical representations (tables, graphs, topologies) simultaneously or alternatively, allowing users to benefit from both direct command access and visual information display without needing to switch between separate interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid interface serves multiple functions: it can process and display text-based commands like traditional CLI, generate and display graphical representations of network data, and provide configurable output formats. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making a single interface capable of both direct command access and effective graphical display
2Loss of information
If conventional graphical user interface is used, then graphical display capability is improved, but the interface becomes slow and complex to use
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid interface is designed to be dynamic, allowing users to switch between command line mode and graphical display mode based on their needs. The interface can adapt its presentation format dynamically, displaying graphical elements when visualization is needed and switching to text-based commands when direct control is required, thereby avoiding the permanent complexity of traditional GUIs
Solution Approach 2:
The interface applies different qualities to different parts of the interaction: text-based commands are used for direct control and configuration, while graphical elements are used specifically for visualization and interpretation. This localized application of interface types allows graphical capabilities to be added without making the entire interface complex
3Loss of information
If conventional graphical user interface is used, then graphical display capability is improved, but operation speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid interface uses periodic or on-demand graphical displays rather than continuous graphical rendering. Graphical elements are generated and displayed only when needed for specific operations or when users request visualization, allowing the interface to maintain fast command processing speeds while providing graphical capabilities when required
Data Source
AI summary
A method of provisioning a device through a command interface is described. A command interface capable of displaying a plurality of outputs is generated. A request is sent to a device and feedback from the device is received. The feedback is used to generate an output. Graphical display for the output is generated for display integral with the command interface.