Interactive Network Map Automation for Configuration Errors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional network management systems are inefficient and error-prone due to reliance on text-based command-line interfaces, lack of automation specific to network tasks, and inadequate documentation methods, leading to high downtime costs and limited automation of network engineering tasks.
Innovation Solution
A map-based Computer Aided Network Engineering (CANE) system that provides interactive network maps at various resolutions, automates diagnosis, analysis, configuration, and documentation across multiple network layers, allowing users to define tasks and exchange information collaboratively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If text-based command-line interface is used for network management, then network engineers can access and control network devices, but the operation becomes error-prone and inefficient requiring extensive training
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a graphical user interface that acts as an intermediary between the network engineer and the command-line interface. This GUI provides visual representations of network devices, connections, and configurations, allowing engineers to perform management tasks through point-and-click operations rather than manually typing commands, thereby reducing errors while maintaining full access to device control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical text-based interaction system with a graphical visual interaction system. Instead of requiring engineers to type text commands and interpret text output, the system uses visual elements such as icons, graphs, and color-coded indicators to represent network states and enable configuration through graphical manipulation
2Extent of automation
If traditional network management automation is implemented, then some network tasks can be automated, but the automation is centered on network infrastructure rather than specific network engineering tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional platform that can perform diverse network engineering tasks including discovery, documentation, troubleshooting, and change management through a single graphical interface. The system is designed to adapt to different task types by providing appropriate visualizations and tools within the same interface, rather than requiring separate automation tools for each task
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic automation that adapts to the specific network engineering task at hand. The system can dynamically generate appropriate visualizations, select relevant data views, and automate sequences of operations based on the task context, making the automation versatile across different network engineering scenarios rather than rigidly following fixed infrastructure-centric workflows
3Quantity of substance
If network management systems generate large volumes of information, then comprehensive network data is available, but network engineers must dig through extensive information to find useful data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and presents only the relevant information for the current task or context. The graphical user interface selectively displays network data based on what is needed for discovery, documentation, troubleshooting, or change management, filtering out unnecessary information while maintaining comprehensive data availability in the background
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different levels of detail and information density to different parts of the interface based on local needs. The graphical visualization provides high-level overview in some areas while allowing drill-down to detailed information in specific regions, optimizing the information presentation for each functional area rather than using a uniform information density throughout
4Loss of information
If manual documentation of network engineering processes is used, then network design and configuration can be recorded, but the documentation becomes obsolete quickly as the network changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-updating documentation that automatically reflects current network state. The system continuously discovers network changes and updates the graphical representations and documentation accordingly without requiring manual intervention, ensuring the documentation remains synchronized with the actual network configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary automated documentation generation based on network discovery data. Instead of waiting for manual documentation updates, the system proactively generates and updates documentation as network changes are detected, ensuring accurate records are maintained before issues arise
Data Source
AI summary
A computer aided network engineering (CANE) system provides an integrated network management platform that not only decodes a user's network but also provides an interactive environment, based on data-driven maps, to allow users to define and automate network tasks. Among other things, the CANE system allows users to drive automation via self-contained interactive model-driven maps (referred to as Q-maps). Some of the tasks that can be automated include, without limitation: a) network diagramming and documentation; b) performance troubleshooting; and c) design analysis.