Logical Network Visualization with Multi-Level Group Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large-scale software-defined networking (SDN) environments face challenges in visualizing a large number of logical network elements, making it difficult for users to extract meaningful information due to increased complexity and scale.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a computer system that processes topology information to configure a logical network topology graph with multi-level group nodes, allowing parent and child groups to be displayed in a folded state to reduce cognitive overhead, and transitioning between folded and expanded states to adjust visualization granularity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If all logical network elements are displayed in detail in the topology graph, then complete network information is provided, but cognitive overhead and complexity increase making it difficult for users to extract meaningful information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the topology graph into hierarchical levels (first level, second level, third level) where each level represents a different granularity of network elements. Users can navigate between levels to view either high-level summaries or detailed configurations, thus maintaining information completeness while reducing visual complexity at any given view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to the topology graph visualization, allowing network elements to be organized across multiple levels rather than displayed flatly. This dimensional organization enables users to collapse or expand specific hierarchical levels, providing a way to manage information density without losing underlying data.
2Reliability
If the topology graph includes all network elements and connections, then comprehensive network visualization is achieved, but user understanding and troubleshooting efficiency decrease due to information overload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic visualization where the topology graph can transition between different states of detail. Users can dynamically collapse hierarchical levels to focus on specific network segments or expand them to view complete details, allowing the visualization to adapt to the user's current troubleshooting needs rather than presenting static overwhelming information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different portions of the topology graph to be displayed at different levels of detail simultaneously. Users can expand specific hierarchical levels that are relevant to their current task while keeping other levels collapsed, thus presenting detailed information only where needed and maintaining simplicity elsewhere.
3Loss of information
If the visualization displays detailed network elements, then complete network topology is visible, but configuration and management efficiency decreases due to time required to analyze complex graphs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary organization of network elements into hierarchical groups and levels before presentation to the user. This pre-structuring allows users to quickly navigate to relevant network segments without having to manually search through all elements, thus maintaining complete topology information while significantly reducing the time required to locate and configure specific network components.
Data Source
AI summary
Example methods and systems for logical network visualization. One example may comprise a computer system obtaining and processing topology information identifying a set of logical network elements. To visualize the set of logical network elements, the computer system may configure logical network topology graph is configured to include a multi-level group node that is formed using (a) a parent group node and (b) a child group node. The parent group node may be configured in a folded state to visualize multiple first elements and associated with parent group node information. The child group node may be configured in a folded state to visualize multiple second elements and associated with child group node information. The computer system may interact with a user device to cause display of the parent group node and the child group node along with the respective parent group node information and child group node information.