Network Topology Display via Sub-network Abstraction

Solution Overview

Problem

In large network environments, network management devices struggle to effectively display network topologies due to the complexity and number of network devices, resulting in only a limited number of devices being presented, which hinders user experience and network management efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The method involves abstracting sub-networks from the original network topology by combining network devices, links, and interfaces to create virtual network devices, allowing for a more manageable and user-friendly representation of the network topology, known as the current network topology, which can be displayed instead of the original topology.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If the network management device displays all network devices in the original network topology, then the completeness of network topology information is improved, but the complexity of the displayed information increases and becomes difficult to manage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork topology information completenessVSAvoiddisplay information complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network topology information by dividing network devices into different categories (first network devices and second network devices) and displaying them separately. The first network devices are shown with full detail while the second network devices are represented by a simplified second icon, thus segmenting the complex information into manageable portions that reduce cognitive load while preserving completeness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by using different visual representations for different types of network devices. First network devices use a detailed first icon while second network devices use a simplified second icon. This differential representation strategy allows the display to maintain information completeness while reducing overall complexity by applying appropriate levels of detail locally to different device types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Quantity of substance

If the network management device presents a comprehensive network topology, then the number of displayed network devices increases, but the scalability and manageability of large network topologies deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of displayed network devicesVSAvoidnetwork topology manageability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments network devices into two categories: first network devices displayed with detailed first icons and second network devices displayed with simplified second icons. This segmentation enables the system to handle a large quantity of network devices by applying different levels of visual detail, thereby maintaining ease of operation even when displaying many devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by not displaying all network devices with the same level of detail. Instead, it uses a simplified representation (second icon) for second network devices, which reduces the visual complexity and improves manageability while still presenting a comprehensive view of all network devices in the topology.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Loss of information

If the network management device displays detailed information for all network devices, then the information completeness is improved, but the user experience and operational efficiency deteriorate due to complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork device information completenessVSAvoiduser experience

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using different visual representations for different types of network devices. First network devices use a detailed first icon while second network devices use a simplified second icon. This differential representation strategy allows the display to maintain information completeness while reducing overall complexity by applying appropriate levels of detail locally to different device types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the network topology information by dividing network devices into different categories (first network devices and second network devices) and displaying them separately. The first network devices are shown with full detail while the second network devices are represented by a simplified second icon, thus segmenting the complex information into manageable portions that reduce cognitive load while preserving completeness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11240115B2Network topology display method and network management device

Publication Date: 2022.02.01 NEW H3C TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A method of displaying network topology and a network management device are disclosed. The method includes: determining a sub-network that can be abstracted from the original network topology, wherein the sub-network includes at least two network devices as well as a network link and a network interface between the at least two network devices; abstracting the at least two network devices, as well as the network link and the network interface between the at least two network devices included in the sub-network and obtaining a virtual network device; and displaying a current network topology, the current network topology including the virtual network device which is generated after abstracting the sub-network.