Time-Based Visualization for Network Virtualization Platforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions lack a unified and holistic method for human operators to understand, model, and design service paths and control operations in complex and dynamic environments of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Virtualization Platforms (NVPs), which are beyond the capabilities of traditional IT and network domain tools.
Innovation Solution
A computer system that generates time-based visualizations of NVP data, including present, past, and predicted future states, using a three-dimensional cube metaphor to represent applications and networking links, allowing users to navigate and manipulate service logic through temporal views.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional IT and network domain tools are used to manage SDN/NVP environments, then the tools are simple and static, but they are ill-suited for the complex and dynamic relationships between virtual, logical, and physical resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fourth dimension (time) to the traditional three-dimensional visualization of network resources. By adding temporal dimension, the system can display past, present, and future states of service paths and network resources, enabling operators to understand dynamic changes and make informed decisions about service deployment and troubleshooting.
Solution Approach 2:
The visualization system transitions from static snapshots to dynamic temporal evolution displays. The system automatically generates and displays multiple states (past, present, future) of network resources and service paths, allowing operators to observe changes over time and understand the dynamic behavior of SDN/NVP environments without manually capturing multiple snapshots.
2Ease of operation
If no unified method exists for human operators to understand and control NVP operations, then operator control is limited, but the complexity of the environment exceeds traditional management capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal visualization framework that can display multiple types of network resources (virtual machines, networks, storage, applications) and their relationships in a unified temporal view. This multi-functional system handles diverse resource types and management tasks through a single interface, improving operator control capability across the entire SDN/NVP environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The temporal visualization system acts as an intermediary between complex NVP operations and human operators. By translating complex dynamic relationships into intuitive temporal visualizations showing evolution over time, the system mediates the gap between operator cognitive capabilities and environmental complexity, enabling effective monitoring and control.
3Loss of information
If static visualization tools are used, then the tools are simple to implement, but they cannot capture the dynamic evolution of service paths and network states
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically generating and storing multiple states (past, present, future) of network resources and service paths. Instead of requiring operators to manually capture snapshots, the system proactively creates temporal data and prepares visualizations in advance, ensuring temporal evolution information is captured and ready for display when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Concepts and technologies disclosed herein are directed to time-based visualizations for network virtualization platforms (“NVPs”). A computer system can obtain data associated with an NVP. The data can include present state data associated with a present state of the NVP, past state data associated with a past state of the NVP, and future state data associated with a predicted future state of the NVP. The computer system can generate a visualization of the data associated with the NVP. The computer system can present a temporal management function that includes a plurality of selections representative of the present state, the past state, and the predicted future state. The computer system can receive a selection, from the plurality of selections, of the present state, the past state, or the predicted future state. The computer system can manipulate the visualization in accordance with the selection and output the visualization.