Network Path Performance Visualization Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional network management systems lack an effective method for visualizing performance data for multiple nodes of a network path in a common view, requiring administrators to individually check each node for troubleshooting, which is inefficient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A network management tool that collects performance characteristic data from multiple nodes and generates a graphical user interface (GUI) object displaying this data in a single view, using representations such as graphs, colors, and sizes to indicate critical issues, and dynamically updates to show trends over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If network administrators check network statistics for each node individually using traditional GUI, then detailed statistics for each node can be obtained, but troubleshooting becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual node statistics views into a single unified visualization that displays performance data for all nodes in the network path simultaneously. This merging approach maintains the detailed measurement precision of individual node statistics while eliminating the time required to sequentially check each node, directly resolving the technical contradiction between measurement precision and time loss.
2Ease of operation
If traditional GUI displays network statistics for a single node, then detailed view of that node is achieved, but multiple nodes cannot be visualized in a common view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimension of visualization by displaying network path information horizontally across the screen, with multiple node statistics arranged along the network path from source to destination. This dimensional change allows administrators to view and compare multiple nodes simultaneously in a single common view, enhancing ease of operation while managing system complexity through an intuitive layout.
3Ease of operation
If individual node views are used, then simple visualization is maintained, but trends over time for multiple nodes cannot be effectively shown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal visualization framework that simultaneously displays multiple performance metrics (CPU utilization, memory utilization, link utilization) for multiple nodes along the network path. This multi-functional visualization maintains simplicity by using consistent graphical elements while preventing information loss by comprehensively displaying various performance trends over time in a single unified view.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and technique for visualizing changes and trends in performance data over a network path are disclosed. More specifically, a network management system generates and displays an object that represents data for one or more performance characteristics related to a plurality of network nodes in the network path. The object is dynamically updated to include updated data related to the one or more performance characteristics. In one embodiment, a representation of the updated data is superimposed over representations of previously collected data relating to the performance characteristics. The transparency of the representations associated with the previously collected data may reflect a difference in time between the current time and the time at which the data was collected. In another embodiment, a timeline is included in the object that tracks the state of the object at one or more previous points in time.