Multi-layer Optical Network GUI with Service Instance Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network management systems fail to effectively visualize multi-layer service object instances in a combined nodal and card/component view, leading to poor user performance and diminished functionality due to the inability to display entire service/circuit in one screen, lack of isolation of relevant network elements, and manual correlation of data across multiple systems.
Innovation Solution
A network management system with a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that provides a topological view and a subway view, allowing users to select services and highlight associated sites, display individual components, and present correlated objects and data items, including power readings and spectral analysis graphs, within the same screen, using a processor and memory to update the interface based on user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional network management systems display the entire network with all nodes and links, then complete network visibility is achieved, but the service object instance cannot be isolated and visualized clearly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates the service object instance from the entire network view by implementing a dedicated service instance view that displays only the relevant nodes, links, and components associated with the selected service. This extraction principle separates the service instance visualization from the comprehensive network map, allowing operators to focus on specific service details without the distraction of the entire network topology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network management interface into distinct views: a comprehensive network map view and a service instance-specific view. The service instance view is further segmented to show nodal view, card view, and component view separately. This segmentation allows operators to access detailed service information without displaying all network elements simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between complete visibility and clear service isolation.
2Loss of information
If conventional systems trace service instance across the entire network map, then service connectivity is shown, but the entire service cannot be displayed in one screen for long services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional geographic map view to a multi-dimensional service instance view that can accommodate long services. The service instance view uses scalable graphics and virtual scrolling mechanisms that allow the entire end-to-end service path to be displayed within the screen boundaries, regardless of the actual physical distance between network elements. This dimensional transformation enables complete service visualization without requiring proportional screen space.
3Loss of information
If conventional systems show geographical and physical map details, then comprehensive network context is provided, but visual noise increases when isolating service object instance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential connectivity information from the comprehensive geographic map and presents it in a simplified service instance view. This extracted view displays nodes, links, and components relevant to the service instance without including geographical features, physical map details, or unrelated network elements. The extraction principle effectively removes visual noise while preserving the critical service connectivity information.
4Loss of information
If operators use multiple windows or applications to access card/component view and correlated data, then comprehensive information is available, but user performance and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the service instance view with correlated data display within a single integrated interface. When an operator selects a service object instance, the system automatically displays correlated information such as associated services, customers, and technical parameters in the same view. This merging eliminates the need to switch between multiple windows or applications, significantly improving operator efficiency while maintaining comprehensive information accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The service instance view implements multi-functionality by combining service visualization, component detail display, and correlated data presentation in a single interface. This universal view can display nodal view, card view, and component view depending on the operator's selection, and can simultaneously show technical parameters, associated services, and customer information. This multi-functional approach consolidates multiple operations into one interface, enhancing productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods include receiving Operations, Administration, Maintenance, and Provisioning (OAM&P) data from an optical network; providing a Graphical User Interface (GUI) based on the OAM&P data with the GUI including a topology view; and providing a visualization that includes one of a power readings graph, a spectral analysis graph, and a spectral allocation graph, in the GUI, and the visualization is positioned logically next to the topology view.