Network Management GUI with Drilldown Menu

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional network management methods rely on text-based command-line interfaces (CLI), which are error-prone, time-consuming, and require extensive training, making it difficult for junior engineers to troubleshoot complex network issues efficiently, especially with the increasing complexity of modern networks.

Innovation Solution

A graphical user interface (GUI) based system that uses dynamic data views and drill-down actions to visualize and manage network devices, allowing for automated procedures, scheduling, and comparison against a golden baseline, reducing the need for manual command execution and improving troubleshooting efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If text-based CLI commands are used for network management, then network devices can be controlled and data can be retrieved, but the process becomes error-prone, time-consuming, and requires extensive training

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of network management operationVSAvoidtime required for troubleshooting

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual text-based CLI operations with an automated GUI-based system that uses visual icons, drag-and-drop interfaces, and automated data collection. This substitution eliminates the need for engineers to manually type and interpret CLI commands, thereby reducing errors and time requirements while maintaining full control over network devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service capabilities through automated data collection, automatic parsing of device outputs, and intelligent generation of troubleshooting steps. The platform autonomously retrieves data from multiple network devices, correlates information, and presents analyzed results without requiring manual intervention, thus significantly reducing both time and operational complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of information

If manual CLI command execution is used for each network device, then detailed device data can be collected, but the process is strenuous and requires years of practice to master

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of network data collectionVSAvoidcomplexity of troubleshooting methodology

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal platform that can manage diverse network devices from multiple vendors through a single GUI interface. The system automatically adapts to different device types and protocols, providing consistent data collection and analysis capabilities across the entire network infrastructure without requiring device-specific manual procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intelligent intermediary layer between network engineers and complex device data. This layer automatically collects raw data from devices, parses and structures the information, correlates data across multiple devices, and presents synthesized insights. This intermediary eliminates the need for engineers to directly navigate complex CLI commands and data formats

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If extensive training is provided to junior engineers on CLI commands and troubleshooting methodologies, then troubleshooting capability can be improved, but training cost and time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of troubleshootingVSAvoidtraining time required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the need for extensive human training by substituting manual CLI operations with an automated GUI system that guides users through troubleshooting processes. The system provides built-in intelligence, automated data analysis, and step-by-step recommendations, allowing junior engineers to perform complex troubleshooting tasks without years of experience

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple vendors and models of network hardware devices are supported, then network coverage and versatility are improved, but data format compatibility and parsing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different network devicesVSAvoidcomplexity of data parsing

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal data collection and parsing framework that automatically adapts to multiple vendor devices and protocols. The system includes built-in parsers and data normalization capabilities that handle diverse data formats from different manufacturers, presenting unified, standardized information regardless of the source device type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs self-service parsing capabilities that automatically detect device types, select appropriate parsers, and normalize data formats without manual configuration. The intelligent platform autonomously handles the complexity of multi-vendor data compatibility, extracting and standardizing information from various device sources through automated processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11689430B2Dataview drilldown menu

Publication Date: 2023.06.27 NETBRAIN TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

A system is disclosed for generating a graphical user interface (GUI) for network management automation. The GUI is a data view that provides functionality for monitoring and controlling devices in a network using a drilldown menu.