Network Device UI Abstraction Layers for Configuration Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network device configuration management is complex for non-expert staff due to the need for detailed tabulated data, which can be difficult to interpret and manage effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system that generates user interface screens providing a graphical representation of network device configurations across multiple abstraction layers, allowing users to visualize and interact with network device configurations through a processor-driven interface, enabling selection and manipulation of abstraction layers for better understanding and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If tabulated data is used to display network device configuration, then complete configuration information is provided, but the complexity of interpretation and management increases for non-expert staff
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration data is segmented into multiple abstraction layers (physical layer, link layer, network layer, transport layer, application layer) that can be independently viewed and managed. Users can focus on specific layers relevant to their tasks without being overwhelmed by the complete configuration set, thus maintaining information completeness while improving manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flat tabulated data structure is transformed into a multi-dimensional hierarchical structure with abstraction layers. This dimensional transformation allows users to navigate configuration data vertically through layers and horizontally within layers, providing both complete information access and simplified viewing by organizing data along the abstraction layer dimension.
2Loss of information
If detailed tabulated configuration data is provided, then comprehensive network device settings are available, but the difficulty of interpretation increases
Solution Approach 1:
Configuration details are segmented and organized into distinct abstraction layers, each representing a specific network layer with its own set of parameters and settings. This segmentation allows users to interpret configuration data layer by layer, reducing cognitive load while preserving all configuration details across layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The graphical user interface acts as an intermediary between the raw configuration data and the user. It provides visualization tools, navigation mechanisms, and contextual information that mediate the interpretation process, making detailed configuration data more accessible and understandable without losing any configuration information.
3Loss of information
If multiple abstraction layers are displayed simultaneously, then complete network configuration context is provided, but the interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface dynamically adapts to user needs by allowing selective activation and deactivation of abstraction layers. Users can adjust which layers are displayed based on their current task requirements, enabling the interface to provide complete configuration context when needed while reducing complexity for routine operations. The system dynamically reconfigures the display based on user interactions and selection states.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a system includes a first interface to receive a request to generate a user interface screen for a selected network device, a memory to store configuration data of the selected network device, a processor to generate, using the configuration data of the selected network device, a first user interface screen showing a graphical representation of an internal configuration of the selected network device in each of at least three different abstraction layers from a plurality of different abstraction layers, one of the at least three different abstraction layers including a physical layer showing a plurality of ports of the selected network device, and a second interface to send the first user interface screen for output to a display device. Related apparatus and methods are also described.