Network Device Visual Identification via Locate Signal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity of local area networks (LANs) and virtual LANs (VLANs) makes it difficult to timely identify and manage connectivity issues, as documentation of physical and virtual connections becomes challenging, especially with the addition of more users and network devices, leading to increased cable complexity and inaccessible wiring.
Innovation Solution
Implementing network devices with processor, memory, and network chips that include logic and ports, along with executable instructions to activate location indicators, allowing for the visualization of network devices and ports through a locate signal, facilitating the identification of specific devices and connections within the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of network devices and cables increases to serve more communication needs, then the network capacity and coverage are improved, but the difficulty of documenting and managing connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual indicators (LED lights) that change color or illuminate to indicate the status and location of network devices and ports. This allows administrators to quickly identify specific devices and connection statuses without complex documentation, resolving the contradiction by providing intuitive visual feedback in large-scale networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces location indicators as an intermediary between network devices and administrators. These indicators act as visual mediators that convey device status and location information, eliminating the need for administrators to manually track and document numerous device connections, thus managing complexity while supporting network growth.
2Productivity
If network devices are densely grouped to improve connectivity, then the network coverage is improved, but the ability to quickly identify and isolate connectivity issues deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color-changing LED indicators on network devices to visually represent connection status, device identity, and operational state. This allows administrators to quickly identify problematic connections and device locations even in densely grouped networks, resolving the contradiction by providing immediate visual feedback without reducing network density.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the network visualization into discrete, identifiable segments through individual port indicators and device-specific lighting patterns. This segmentation allows administrators to isolate and identify specific connectivity issues among densely grouped devices by visually distinguishing each device and port status, maintaining high network density while enabling quick problem identification.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more network devices are added to handle VoIP and data services, then the network functionality is improved, but the time required for troubleshooting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces visual location indicators as intermediaries that convey device status and connection information instantly. This eliminates the time-consuming process of manually checking and documenting device states in versatile networks handling multiple services like VoIP and data, resolving the contradiction by providing immediate visual troubleshooting information while maintaining network adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual documentation and physical inspection methods with automated visual indicators. This substitution eliminates the time required for administrators to physically trace connections and check device statuses in networks handling diverse services, reducing troubleshooting time while maintaining the network's versatility in handling VoIP, data, and other services.
Data Source
AI summary
Network devices, systems, and methods are described for visually identifying physically linked network devices. One network device includes a memory in connected to a processor. A network chip on the device is connected to the processor and the memory. The network chip includes logic and a number of ports. A first location indicator is associated with the network device. A physical link is established between one of the number of ports on the network device and a port on a different network device. Computer executable instructions are stored in the memory and executable by the processor to send a locate signal to visually identify the different network device.