Multi-Layer Network Map for Complex Datacenter Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network visualization tools are confusing and difficult to navigate, presenting all network aspects in a single large diagram that is hard to follow, making it challenging for users to quickly determine network structure, connection speed, and security at multiple layers of abstraction.
Innovation Solution
A method for generating a multi-layer interactive network map from network configuration data, which creates visual representations of network components and connections across different hierarchy levels, allowing users to navigate and monitor network performance through a graphical user interface with selectable items and overlays that provide detailed information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If all network aspects are presented in a single large diagram, then complete network information is displayed, but the diagram becomes confusing and difficult to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the network visualization into multiple hierarchical layers (geographical layer, orchestration layer, management plane layer, data plane layer, physical layer), where each layer displays a specific aspect of the network. This segmentation allows users to view complete network information across different layers while navigating only the relevant layer at a time, avoiding the confusion of a single comprehensive diagram.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a hierarchical dimension to the network visualization by organizing network aspects into multiple levels of abstraction. Instead of presenting all information in a single two-dimensional diagram, the system uses a multi-layered structure where users can navigate between layers to access different levels of network detail, effectively transforming the visualization from a flat diagram to a multi-dimensional hierarchical representation.
2Ease of operation
If multiple layers of network abstraction are visualized separately, then navigation becomes easier, but understanding the complete network structure becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that allow users to trace network elements across different layers. When a user selects a network element in one layer, the system provides feedback by highlighting or displaying corresponding elements in other layers, enabling users to understand the complete network structure while maintaining easy navigation within each layer. This feedback loop connects the segmented layers and preserves overall network context.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a nested hierarchical structure where each layer contains or references elements from other layers. The geographical layer nests datacenter information, which in turn nests network domain information, and so on down to the physical layer. This nesting allows users to understand the complete network structure by progressively drilling down through layers, while each layer remains independently navigable.
3Loss of information
If detailed network components are displayed at all layers, then comprehensive information is provided, but the visualization becomes cluttered and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by displaying different levels of network detail appropriate to each layer. The geographical layer shows high-level datacenter locations and connections, while lower layers progressively reveal more detailed network components. Each layer is optimized to show the most relevant level of detail for that specific view, avoiding the clutter that would result from displaying all network components at every layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts specific network components and relationships into appropriate layers based on their hierarchical level. Instead of displaying all network components uniformly, the system extracts and places geographical information in the top layer, network domain information in the orchestration layer, logical network components in the management plane layer, and physical infrastructure in the physical layer. This extraction reduces visualization complexity by presenting only the relevant subset of network details at each layer.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments provide a method for generating a multi-layer network map from network configuration data. The method receives network configuration data that defines network components and connections between the network components for a network that spans one or more datacenters. Based on the received network configuration data, the method generates multiple data layers for a multi-layer interactive map of the network. Different data layers include different network components and connections. The method generates a visual representation of the network for each data layer. Each visual representation includes a map of the network at a different level of hierarchy.