Visually Guided Topology Wiring for Network Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of physically creating network topologies by connecting cables between devices is cumbersome and error-prone, especially with devices having many ports and confusing port numbering conventions across different operating systems, making it difficult to accurately identify and connect corresponding ports.
Innovation Solution
A method using indicators, such as LEDs, to visually guide the wiring process by referencing a topology file to determine intended port connections and synchronizing indicator states between devices, reducing errors and the need for complex communication about port numbers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional port numbering conventions are used for identifying connection ports, then device compatibility across different operating systems is maintained, but the complexity of identifying and communicating port connections increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary visual indicator system (LEDs) that mediates between the physical port connections and the logical port numbering. Instead of relying on operators to interpret and communicate port numbers across different operating systems, the visual indicators serve as a universal language that directly shows which ports should be connected, eliminating the complexity of port number mapping while maintaining device compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/cognitive process of reading and communicating port numbers with an optical signaling system. The visual indicators (LEDs) substitute for the traditional method of identifying ports through numerical labels and configuration files, providing an intuitive visual guide that eliminates the need for operators to understand different operating systems' port numbering conventions.
2Manufacturing precision
If detailed port number communication is used to guide cable connections, then connection accuracy can be maintained, but the time and complexity of the wiring process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring the visual indicators to show the intended connections before the actual cable installation begins. The LEDs are programmed to display the correct port pairings in advance, allowing operators to quickly identify connection points without needing to study configuration files or communicate port numbers back and forth, thus maintaining accuracy while reducing wiring time.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual indicator system provides real-time feedback to operators during the wiring process. When a cable is connected, the corresponding LEDs can change state to confirm correct connection, providing immediate feedback that eliminates the need for lengthy verification processes and ensures connection accuracy while minimizing the time required.
3Ease of operation
If visual indicators are activated on both ends of a connection, then port identification becomes intuitive and errors are reduced, but the system complexity and communication overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the indicator control functions into a unified system where the visualization server coordinates the LED indicators across multiple devices. Instead of each device independently managing its own indicators, the system combines the control logic centrally, allowing intuitive visual guidance while managing the complexity through a unified approach to indicator synchronization.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices are provided herein for providing a visually guided topology wiring scheme. As described herein, after determining that a first end of a cable has been inserted at a first port of a first peer device, a wiring application may reference a topology file to identify a second port of a second peer device with which the first peer device is intended to have a link. Subsequently, the wiring application may activate an indicator associated with the second port to mimic an indicator associated with the first port. For example, the wiring application may cause both indicators associated with each port to flash according to a same or similar flashing pattern, to produce or illuminate at a similar or identical color (e.g., approximately the same color), to flash at approximately a same rate, or by substantially synchronizing a flashing of each indicator.