Logical-Physical Network Correlation Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In software-defined networks, network administrators face challenges in correlating data plane constructs with management plane constructs, which are not readily available in a visual format, leading to difficulties in troubleshooting and configuring networks, especially when network configurations evolve.
Innovation Solution
A visualization method is provided that displays the topology of a logical network implemented within a physical network, showing logical elements, physical elements, and their correlations, organized hierarchically with group nodes for large sets of physical elements and additional information available upon selection, along with flow tracing capabilities for data message flows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If network administrators manually associate and update correlation information between logical and physical elements, then configuration and troubleshooting can be performed, but significant time is consumed and the process becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the network topology that automatically displays correlation information between logical and physical elements. Instead of manually creating and maintaining correlation data, the system generates a visual map that automatically reflects the current state of network correlations, allowing administrators to view and interact with the topology without manual data entry.
2Ease of operation
If detailed correlation information between logical and physical elements is displayed, then troubleshooting and configuration become easier, but the visualization becomes complex and difficult to interpret
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network visualization into distinct hierarchical levels, separating logical network elements from physical network elements while maintaining visual connections between them. This segmentation allows administrators to focus on specific layers or aspects of the network without being overwhelmed by the complete complexity, enabling easier troubleshooting through structured visual exploration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a visual dimension to network correlation data by displaying logical and physical elements in spatial relationships rather than tabular formats. The visualization uses graphical representations with connecting lines to show correlations, transforming complex correlation data into an intuitive spatial map that is easier to interpret and navigate.
3Loss of information
If the visualization displays all physical elements implementing each logical element, then complete information is available, but the number of nodes becomes excessive when many physical elements are involved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple physical elements that implement the same logical element into a single visual representation or group. This consolidation reduces the number of nodes displayed in the visualization while preserving the correlation information, allowing administrators to see the relationship between logical elements and their physical implementations without being overwhelmed by excessive individual node representations.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of the invention provide a method for providing a visualization of a topology for a logical network implemented in a physical network. The method identifies a set of logical elements of the logical network. For each logical element, the method identifies a set of one or more physical elements in the physical network that implements the logical element. Multiple physical elements are identified for at least one of the logical elements. Through a user interface (UI) the method displays a visualization that includes (1) the set of logical elements, (2) connections between the logical elements, (3) the sets of physical elements that implement each logical element in the set of logical elements, and (4) correlations between each logical element and the set of physical elements that implements the logical element. Each logical element and each physical element is represented by a node in the visualization.