Network Topology Map Pagination for Manageable Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large enterprise-class networks, displaying thousands of elements and their connections simultaneously is impractical due to limitations in display device capabilities and human ability to process the information, leading to an overwhelming visual representation.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a network topology discovery tool, database, and data provider modules to filter and reduce the number of objects displayed by allowing users to select parameters and specify values, dynamically presenting filters to limit the map to a manageable size, utilizing a data access framework to render the topology map effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If all network elements are displayed simultaneously on one display, then complete network topology information is presented, but the display exceeds area and resolution capabilities and becomes impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the network topology display into multiple pages or sections. Each page shows a subset of network elements (e.g., 100 elements per page), allowing complete topology information to be accessed through pagination while keeping each individual display view manageable in size and resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension through pagination controls, allowing users to navigate through multiple pages of network elements. This transforms the problem from a single two-dimensional display constraint to a multi-page sequential display solution, effectively managing large numbers of elements across time rather than space.
2Loss of information
If all network elements are displayed simultaneously, then complete network topology is visualized, but human ability to meaningfully digest the information is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the network topology display into manageable pages with a limited number of elements per page, the patent reduces cognitive load on users. Each page presents a digestible subset of information that users can process meaningfully, while still providing access to the complete topology through navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing users to focus on specific portions of the network topology at a time through pagination. Each page can be optimized to show relevant local details clearly, rather than diluting attention across all network elements simultaneously, improving the ease of analyzing specific network segments.
3Ease of operation
If a limited number of elements are displayed per page, then display manageability is improved, but navigation between pages requires additional user actions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing pagination controls and navigation mechanisms in advance, allowing users to efficiently move between pages of network elements. The system prepares navigation options (previous, next, page selection) that enable quick transitions without requiring complex search or exploration actions.
Data Source
AI summary
Displaying a network topology map may include creating a database representing objects in a network; requesting a topology map of a certain type to represent at least a portion of the network; determining from the database a set of objects corresponding to the type of the requested map; determining parameters associated with the map type; and, while the cardinality of the set is above a threshold: presenting at least one of the parameters on a display, enabling a user to specify a value or group of values for the parameter, and reducing the cardinality of the set by removing objects not matching the value or group of values specified for the parameter.