Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying network node ports and related information in a network topology display. The user is able to clearly view ports of a connection device in the network and to view additional port information, such as the port type and the port number, for connected and unconnected ports of a network connection device. In addition, the user is able to toggle between a “show ports” mode and a “hide ports” mode for each connection device to view detailed information about the connection device ports or to hide the information in order to simplify the display.

Abstract: A method for displaying storage network information in a user interface. The method includes identifying a topology map for a storage network and gathering operating information, which is processed to determine a performance parameter, such as utilization. A performance monitoring display is generated including a topology map and a graphical representation of the performance parameter, which is positioned in the display relative to the components for which the parameter applies. The graphical representation can be a pair of parallel dashed lines between communicating components. The dashes in the lines are moved using a speed coding scheme representative of the performance parameter, e.g., with faster speeds used to show higher ranges of utilization, and the direction of movement matches data flow. The dashed lines are colored using a color coding scheme and the line segment lengths vary in association with the performance value.

Abstract: A method for displaying storage network information in a user interface. The method includes identifying a topology map for a storage network and gathering operating information, which is processed to determine a performance parameter, such as utilization. A performance monitoring display is generated including a topology map and a graphical representation of the performance parameter, which is positioned in the display relative to the components for which the parameter applies. The graphical representation can be a pair of parallel dashed lines between communicating components. The dashes in the lines are moved using a speed coding scheme representative of the performance parameter, e.g., with faster speeds used to show higher ranges of utilization, and the direction of movement matches data flow. The dashed lines are colored using a color coding scheme and the line segment lengths vary in association with the performance value.

Abstract: Techniques for dynamically loading or changing code modules in applications for monitoring and/or managing SANs without having to restart the applications or power down the SANs. The code modules loaded by an application, while the application is executing, may be used by the application to perform a variety of SAN related functions including automated discovery and visualization, device management, performance and status monitoring, and other like functions.

Abstract: A method of displaying nodes within a network topology. Using a processor coupled to a display screen, the method involves forming a first layer of a multi-layer representation wherein at least two nodes are represented separately; and grouping the nodes of the first layer into group nodes to form a second layer in the multi-layer representation. In addition, the method groups the group nodes of the second layer into a third layer, the third layer having at least one connected-superset node containing group nodes with nodes connected to each other, and at least one isolated-superset node containing group nodes having nodes isolated from each other. The method displays the superset nodes in the third layer so the connected-superset node is separate from the isolated-superset node and such that the connected-superset node is selectively expandable to display group nodes and connections between the nodes, and the isolated-superset node is selectively expandable to display group nodes of the second layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a systematic automated procedure for routing connections in display applications such as a network topology interface. In one embodiment, the invention first creates an “ideal routing” between two given nodes. The ideal routing includes three segments that join the nodes. If any obstructions exist on the original segments of the ideal routing then the procedure systematically reroutes the appropriate segments to achieve an efficient, visually cohesive and organized routing. The routing procedure operates at different layers, groups and subgroups of nodes. By using the procedure with a layered design it is possible to achieve fast, uniform and effective routing in very complex systems with many nodes and inter-node connections.

Abstract: A computer user interface to display connections in a network topology display. Different visual representations are used for a single and multiple connection types. If there is only a single connection between nodes then a simple line is used. If there are multiple connections between nodes then a line that terminates in a “fork,” or small U-shape symbol, is used to indicate a multiple connection line. The termination symbol, or “connection endpoint symbol,” is adjacent to a node at each end of the line. In general, many types of symbols can be used. For example, a square, diamond, or other basic shape can be used as the connection endpoint symbol. Also, the invention provides for a symbol to be adjacent to, or in the vicinity of, a node. For example, the number of connections represented by a line can be shown near the node, or connection, to which the number relates. A feature of the invention provides for details of the multiple connection line to be displayed upon user selection.

Abstract: A method for simplifying display of complex network connections in a user interface. The method includes displaying a network topology display having multiple interconnected nodes. The nodes, such as network hubs or switches, are connected to one or more of the other nodes via line segments or connection paths. The segments are intentionally overlapped to simplify the visual representation of the network topology display. To remove ambiguity as to which nodes are connected to each other, the method includes using distinguishing connector segments to connect the orthogonal portions of the line segments or connection paths. The connector segments are configured to indicate which nodes are connected and may include any polygonal structure. In one embodiment, the connector segments comprise rounded corner connectors between two orthogonal segments that effectively indicate connected node pairs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of operating a graphical user interface to allow a user to selectively enable or disable a data path that is connected to communications between a first node and a second node of a switched network, such as a storage area network (SAN). The method comprises the steps of displaying a graphical representation of the datapath on a display, displaying a cursor on the display whose image position on the display is under control by the user, detecting when the image position of the cursor is in a predetermined distance from the graphical representation of the datapath, highlighting the graphical representation of the datapath when the displayed cursor is detected to be within the predetermined distance, and then selectively enabling or disabling the datapath of the network that corresponds to the highlighted graphical representation in response to an input signal controlled by the user.