Multiple Link Connector List for Network Map Clutter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network management systems face challenges in displaying connections to network elements outside the current map, leading to clutter and making it difficult for operators to identify and access these connections, which hinders efficient problem analysis and resolution.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to display a multiple link connector list on the GUI, which collects data on all connections between network devices and outside groups, bundles these connections into a multiple link connector object, and associates it with an interactive icon, reducing map clutter and enabling easy access to outside links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If all connections to outside network devices are displayed as individual arrows on the map, then complete connectivity information is provided, but the map becomes very cluttered and connections are not distinctly visible
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual connection arrows originating from the same network element are merged into a single bundled connector representation. This bundling consolidates multiple outside connections into one visual element, reducing map clutter while preserving the information that multiple connections exist. The bundled connector can be expanded or selected to reveal the individual connection details when needed.
2Loss of information
If individual connection arrows are used to show outside connections, then each connection is identifiable by label, but the arrows cannot be moved and overlap making them not distinctly visible
Solution Approach 1:
Overlapping individual connection arrows are merged into a single interactive bundled connector. This eliminates the overlapping visibility problem by consolidating multiple connections into one distinct, non-overlapping visual element. The bundled connector maintains interactivity, allowing users to select and explore individual connections within the bundle when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The bundled connector acts as an intermediary between the map view and detailed connection information. It provides a simplified representation at the map level while serving as a gateway to access individual connection details through expansion or selection, facilitating easy navigation without exposing all connection details at once.
3Productivity
If users want to access network elements outside the current map, they must list them or use a Find node command, which is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The bundled connector serves as an direct interactive gateway to outside network elements. Users can click on the bundled connector to expand it and access individual connections and their target network elements directly from the map view, eliminating the need to use separate Find node commands or navigate through listing interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-organizes outside connections into bundled connectors that are immediately visible and accessible on the map. This preliminary organization of connection information allows users to access outside network elements directly from the current map context without needing to perform additional search or navigation actions.
4Loss of information
If connectors are just labels on the map, then they provide identification, but clicking on them does not allow users to navigate to the location displayed
Solution Approach 1:
The bundled connector acts as an interactive intermediary that bridges the gap between static label identification and navigational functionality. When selected or expanded, it provides direct access to the connected network elements and enables navigation to their locations, transforming the connector from a passive label into an active navigation tool.
Data Source
AI summary
A comprehensive network map for a graphical user interface (GUI) of a communication network, illustrates all outside links to network devices external to said map. To this end, the connections between a network device on the map and all groups of network devices outside of the map are illustrated using an interactive multiple link connector icon associated to the network device. The connector icon comprises a button for enabling display of a multiple link connector (MLC) list. Each row of the MLC list comprises an outside link widget associated with a group identification widget. A list with all connection between the network device and an associated group of outside network devices is displayed on the map upon selection of the outside link widget on the MLC list. Furthermore, a sub-map of a group is displayed upon selection of the respective group identification widget.