Network Visualization Grouping Elements by Role
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network visualization methods fail to effectively display complex network topologies and anomalies, making it difficult for administrators to monitor and manage large IT networks efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a network visualization application to identify network element roles and connectivity, group elements based on roles, and display connections, along with additional characteristics like traffic load and bottlenecks, using a network topology database and visualization engine to generate interactive and dynamic visualizations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If network visualization displays all network elements and connections in detail, then completeness of network information is improved, but visual complexity and difficulty of interpretation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network elements into different categories (routers, switches, servers, end devices) and represents them using distinct visual icons. This segmentation allows the visualization to maintain completeness of network information while reducing visual complexity through standardized, recognizable symbols that are easier to interpret than detailed technical specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional flat network diagrams to three-dimensional spherical visualizations where network elements are positioned on the surface of a globe. This dimensional change allows comprehensive display of network topology while leveraging spatial intuition to reduce interpretation complexity, as users can naturally understand geographic and hierarchical relationships in 3D space.
2Measurement precision
If network visualization includes detailed technical parameters and status indicators, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing detailed technical parameters and status indicators only when users interact with or focus on specific network elements. The default view presents simplified visual representations, while comprehensive monitoring data becomes available through interactive exploration, thereby maintaining both measurement precision and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic visualization where network elements and their parameters can be explored at different levels of detail. Users can dynamically adjust the level of information displayed for different parts of the network, allowing precise monitoring of critical elements while maintaining overall ease of operation through simplified default views.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for visualizing a network. The method includes identifying, for each of a set of network elements, a network element role and a network element connectivity, grouping the network elements based on the network element roles, displaying at least a subset of the grouped network elements, and displaying connections between the displayed network elements, based on the network element connectivity.