Network Status Visualization for Ethernet Ring Protection Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tools lack the capability to conveniently and effectively visualize complex network connections, particularly in Ethernet Ring Protection Switching (ERPS) systems, which involve multiple possible paths and error conditions, making it difficult to represent and analyze network status and node relationships.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for visualizing networks with ERPS, using computer program code to identify and display nodes, connections, and status indicators, including determining paths through identified rings and updating representations in response to error conditions, allowing for dynamic visualization of network changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional visualization tools are used for ERPS networks, then point-to-point connections can be displayed, but complex network connections with multiple paths and rings cannot be effectively visualized
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into individual rings, with each ring visualized as a distinct graphical object. This allows complex ERPS networks to be broken down into manageable units that can be independently analyzed and displayed, resolving the contradiction between handling complex configurations and maintaining visual clarity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional approach by representing rings as closed-loop graphical objects with spatial relationships, rather than traditional linear point-to-point connections. This dimensional transformation enables effective visualization of complex multi-path networks that cannot be represented in conventional two-dimensional topological diagrams.
2Loss of information
If detailed status information is displayed for all nodes and connections, then complete network status can be monitored, but the visualization becomes overly complex and difficult to interpret
Solution Approach 1:
Status information is extracted and displayed as distinct visual indicators overlaid on the ring graphical objects, rather than incorporating it directly into the network topology structure. This separation allows complete status monitoring while maintaining clean, interpretable visual representations of network connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color-coded indicators to represent different network statuses (such as blocked, unblocked, or error states). This visual encoding method conveys comprehensive status information efficiently without increasing structural complexity, as colors provide immediate intuitive understanding of network conditions.
3Measurement precision
If manual analysis of network paths is performed, then connection details can be examined, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides automatic feedback by visually highlighting and indicating network paths and status changes through the graphical ring representations. This automated visual feedback mechanism eliminates time-consuming manual path analysis while maintaining accurate network state information, as the graphical display automatically updates to reflect current network conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The visualization system performs self-service by automatically detecting, analyzing, and displaying network status and paths without requiring manual intervention. The graphical ring objects autonomously represent network connections and their states, providing accurate path information instantly without human analysis time.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods visualize a point to multi-point network, such as a network including Ethernet Ring Protection (ERP) using a visualization techniques used for point-to-point networks. For example, for a selected start and end node, intervening nodes may be identified and any protection rings also identified. A blocking port for each ring is identified and based thereon a path through the ring is identified. A trail between the start and end node is then generated using the current path through the protection rings. The trail may then be represented graphically. Unblocking of a blocked port of a ring may be detected and a new path through the ring may be determined and represented graphically. Status indicators may be included in the updated representation of the ring to indicate the presence of a failure condition.