3D Network Topology Visualization with Configuration Issue Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network topology tools require significant administrative effort and technical expertise to troubleshoot issues due to their inability to provide detailed, 3D visual representations of network connectivity and configuration, particularly in data centers, where administrators must manually interpret complex connectivity scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A topology generation platform that collects device and connection data, identifies network connections, and generates a 3D visualization of network topologies, including configuration issues, using physical and virtual MAC addresses to provide a detailed, intuitive representation of network components and their connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If existing network topology tools are used to generate 2D network topology views, then network connectivity can be displayed, but detailed configuration issues and specific connectivity scenarios cannot be identified, requiring administrators to manually review lengthy reports and execute multiple commands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D network topology visualization to a multi-dimensional representation that incorporates both spatial network layout and configuration parameter dimensions. This allows the system to display not only device connectivity but also configuration issues, policy violations, and operational states in the same visual space, eliminating the need for separate report reviews and command executions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple previously separate functions into a unified visualization: network topology display, configuration parameter monitoring, issue detection, and diagnostic information presentation are all combined into a single integrated interface. This consolidation allows administrators to obtain comprehensive network information without switching between multiple tools or reviewing separate reports.
2Measurement precision
If existing network topology tools provide generic connectivity views, then basic network structure can be understood, but specific details of network connections and configuration issues remain hidden
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by providing different levels of detail in different regions of the visualization. High-level network topology is displayed for overall context, while specific network connections and devices with configuration issues are shown with enhanced detail. This allows the visualization to be simultaneously simple for overview purposes and detailed when needed, without overwhelming the administrator with uniform complexity throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The network topology visualization is segmented into multiple hierarchical levels and functional zones. The system divides the network view into device nodes, connection links, and configuration attribute panels, allowing administrators to focus on specific segments of interest while maintaining context of the overall network structure. This segmentation enables precise examination of individual connections without losing sight of the broader network topology.
3Reliability
If administrators manually interpret complex connectivity scenarios using existing tools, then detailed network information can be obtained, but the process requires strong technical expertise and is very time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically detecting configuration issues, analyzing connectivity problems, and presenting diagnostic information without requiring administrators to manually execute commands or interpret complex data. The automated issue detection and visualization capabilities enable the network system to essentially troubleshoot itself, presenting problems and their contexts in an easily interpretable visual format that reduces the technical expertise barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback by automatically monitoring network connections and configuration parameters, then immediately presenting detected issues and their contexts in the visualization. This real-time feedback mechanism eliminates the need for manual interpretation and command execution, as the system continuously provides actionable diagnostic information that guides administrators through troubleshooting without requiring deep technical expertise.
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprises collecting device data and connection data corresponding to a plurality of connected devices in a system, and identifying a plurality of network connections between two or more of the plurality of connected devices from the device data and the connection data. In the method, one or more configuration issues across one or more of the plurality of network connections are detected, and a visualization of a topology of the plurality of connected devices in the system is generated. The visualization comprises a depiction of the plurality of connected devices, the plurality of network connections and the one or more configuration issues.