Mobile LAN Management via Graphical Topology Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network management systems require expertise and are not user-friendly, limiting their accessibility for ordinary users, especially in managing local area networks (LANs), and existing mobile management solutions do not effectively utilize graphical interfaces for intuitive network operation.
Innovation Solution
A mobile management system and method that uses a mobile device to manage LANs through a graphical interface, where a software program recognizes the network topology, designates a master access point, and renders a graphical topology map, allowing users to operate the network using gestures, optimizing the display for mobile devices and indicating connection status through colors and icons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional network management tools are used, then network management functionality is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring expertise and not being user-friendly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy of the network topology as a graphical map that mirrors the actual network structure. This graphical representation copies the complex network relationships into an intuitive visual format that ordinary users can understand without technical expertise, resolving the contradiction between functionality and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the flat, text-based conventional management interface into a two-dimensional graphical map with spatial relationships. This dimensional change allows users to perceive network topology intuitively through visual positioning and connections rather than interpreting technical data, significantly improving ease of operation
2Ease of operation
If conventional management interfaces are used, then network control functionality is achieved, but ease of operation worsens due to requiring technical expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color coding to represent different network states, device types, and connection statuses in the graphical map. This visual encoding system allows ordinary users to quickly understand network status without technical knowledge, transforming complex information into intuitive color-based indicators that improve accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a visual replica of the network topology that ordinary users can interact with intuitively. This graphical copy preserves all network management functionality while presenting it in a form that does not require technical expertise, resolving the accessibility contradiction
3Ease of operation
If graphical interface is implemented for mobile devices, then ease of operation improves through intuitive visualization, but device complexity increases due to rendering and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network topology into discrete visual elements (nodes, edges, connection lines, device icons) that can be independently rendered and managed. This segmentation allows the software to handle complex network structures through modular processing, reducing the computational burden while maintaining intuitive graphical representation for ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms network data into a two-dimensional graphical representation optimized for mobile device displays. This dimensional transformation presents complex network information in a visually intuitive format that leverages the mobile device's display capabilities, improving ease of operation while the rendering engine handles the computational complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure is related to a mobile management system and a method for managing a local area network. The system employs a mobile device (40) to provide a management mechanism for a local area network. In the method, a management program is executed in the mobile device (40), and a connection to an access point (42) is then established. The program acquires information of a master access point (44) from the connected access point (42), so as to acquire topology of the local area network. A graphical network topology can be formed according to the topology relating to connectivity among the access points (42) and terminals in the local area network. The topology map is displayed based on the type of the topology. The mobile device (40) includes a touch-sensitive panel for generating touch signals in response to a gesture. The management program converts the touch signals to a series of instructions submitted to the access point (42).