Network Switch Embedded Graphical Management Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network switches face challenges in centralized management and require professional expertise for configuration and troubleshooting, making it difficult for administrators to efficiently manage IP-connected devices due to limited user interfaces like CLI and Web UI.
Innovation Solution
A network switch with an embedded graphical management system and device management module that provides a graphical interface for easy operation, allowing administrators to perform device management functions such as configuration and troubleshooting through a communication module, supporting various modes like topology, floor, and map views.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional CLI and Web UI interfaces are used for network switch management, then professional personnel can perform configuration and troubleshooting, but the operation complexity increases and requires extensive technical knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between users and network switches. This gateway provides a simplified graphical user interface that mediates complex network management operations, translating user-friendly commands into appropriate network switch configurations without exposing users to the underlying complexity of CLI or Web UI interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy or representation of the network switch management interface through the gateway. Instead of requiring users to directly interact with the complex original interface (CLI/Web UI), the gateway provides a simplified copied interface that replicates essential functionality while eliminating complexity, allowing users to manage network switches through intuitive graphical elements.
2Productivity
If centralized management is implemented for multiple IP connected apparatuses, then network administrators can control devices, but management difficulty increases and problem detection is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized management system into distributed gateway nodes, each capable of independently managing local network switches and IP connected apparatuses. This segmentation allows management tasks to be distributed across multiple gateways rather than centralized in a single point, reducing management difficulty while maintaining control over multiple devices through parallel operational independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway device provides self-service capabilities by automatically detecting network topology, identifying connected apparatuses, and presenting them through an intuitive graphical interface. The system performs automatic device discovery, configuration validation, and status monitoring without requiring manual intervention or deep technical knowledge from administrators.
3Ease of operation
If graphical management system is embedded in network switch, then general users can operate devices conveniently, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway serves as an intermediary that hosts the graphical management system, separating the complexity of the management interface from the network switch itself. The gateway handles the burden of running the graphical user interface and processing management commands, while the network switch remains a relatively simple networking device, thus providing ease of operation without significantly increasing switch complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway device performs multiple functions: it acts as a network switch, a graphical user interface host, a configuration management system, and a troubleshooting tool. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single universal device, the system provides comprehensive management capabilities without requiring separate complex systems for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A network switch, a device management system, and a device management method thereof are provided. A network management system with a graphical management interface is embedded in the network switch, so that network administrators can use web browser for management. The graphical management interface provides a topology mode, a floor mode and a map mode for the network administrators to intuitively manage Internet Protocol (IP) connected apparatuses on a topological diagram, a floor plan or a map. Furthermore, in response to a control operation corresponding to the IP connected apparatus on the graphical management interface, the network switch performs a device function operation (e.g., an information collecting operation, a configuration setting operation, a node searching operation, a system login operation, etc.) corresponding to the control operation through a communication module thereof. Accordingly, an innovative and convenient device management system can be provided for the network administrators.