Relay Device LAN Topology Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In companies, managing the connection relationships of communication devices in local area networks (LANs) is challenging due to frequent additions or relocations, leading to delays and discrepancies in registration and updates, making it difficult to recognize the actual network topology.
Innovation Solution
A relay device equipped with network topology data acquisition and display control means to visualize the LAN's network topology as a tree structure, allowing users to easily recognize changes and detailed information of communication devices, including operation status and security policies, without the need for dedicated display devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual ledger registration is used to manage communication devices, then detailed information can be recorded, but the workload increases and updates are delayed when devices are frequently added or relocated
Solution Approach 1:
The relay device automatically acquires and updates network topology information without requiring manual intervention. The device performs self-service by autonomously collecting topology data from the network and updating its display, eliminating the need for manual ledger registration and ensuring real-time accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by periodically acquiring network topology information and comparing it with previously displayed data. This feedback mechanism ensures that any changes in the network topology are detected and reflected in the display, maintaining accuracy without manual intervention.
2Loss of information
If manual ledger management is used, then information can be stored, but discrepancies occur between registered information and actual network topology
Solution Approach 1:
The relay device automatically acquires current network topology information directly from the network and updates its internal representation accordingly. This self-service approach ensures that the displayed topology always reflects the actual network state, eliminating discrepancies that occur with manual ledger management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring and acquiring network topology information before discrepancies can occur. By proactively updating the topology data, the system prevents mismatches between registered information and actual network configuration.
3Loss of information
If complete network topology is displayed, then full information is provided, but the display becomes complex and difficult to understand
Solution Approach 1:
The network topology information is segmented and organized in a hierarchical tree structure, with relay devices as parent nodes and terminal devices as child nodes. This segmentation allows the complete topology to be displayed in an organized, indented format that is easy to understand while maintaining full information completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The topology information is transformed from a flat, two-dimensional table into a hierarchical, multi-dimensional tree structure. This dimensional change allows the complete network topology to be visualized in a more intuitive format that preserves all information while improving readability and understandability.
4Measurement precision
If detailed information of all devices is displayed, then complete monitoring is achieved, but the display becomes overly complex
Solution Approach 1:
Device information is segmented and organized hierarchically under their respective relay device parents. This segmentation allows detailed information to be displayed in a structured format where completeness is maintained through the hierarchical organization, while complexity is reduced through the clear parent-child relationship structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A relay device acquires network topology data representing a network topology that includes a connection relationship of each relay device and a connection relationship of a terminal device connected to each relay device in a local area network (LAN), and displays, on a display device, an image of a tree structure in which each relay device included in the LAN corresponds to a node, as an image of the network topology represented by the acquired network topology data. The relay device displays, on the display device, the image of the tree structure in which a node corresponding to a relay device designated in advance among the relay devices included in the LAN and nodes of up to directly below the designated node are set as a drawing target.