Abstract: A method and system for a telecommunication network management tool to represent a telecommunication network layout including a plurality of distinct network entities related to one another by a variety of attributes. A user interface can be used for altering a display of a network representation model to help a system manager to systematically navigate the distinct network entities and associated attributes of the selected network. An overlay view selector is used for affecting the display content of the representation on the user interface. The view selector contains a plurality of presentation modes for altering the presentation of desired elements selected from the network layout. Presentation of the selected network includes an information subset displayed over a reference view, which helps the user to maintain the information subset in context of the network layout.

Abstract: A visualization method for a hub network configuration allows exploration of a chosen network by way of a graphical display interface (GUI), wherein multiple distinct network segments such as lines or rings are shown attached to a common node or centralized hub. The technique combines a graphical view of the segments controlled by a segment selector. The selector is coupled to a series of display indicators and a list of the attached rings contained in the network. The list can contain descriptive elements of the segments, or can provide links to such detail. A mutually exclusive selection of the attached segments is enabled using either the selector or the list of attached segments. For each segment selected, the display indicators can show the currently displayed segments on the GUI, help to highlight on the GUI a selected attached segment and provide an indication of attached segments that are related in function to the selected segment.

Abstract: A method for use in a computer system for displaying a containment group such as file folder hierarchy. The method displays a direct containment hierarchy for the selected containment group or file folder, and also displays a list of contents of the selected containment group or file folder. A direct containment hierarchy displays only file folders or containment groups which directly or indirectly contain the selected containment group or file folder. In this manner a large number of file folders or containment groups which do not ultimately contain the selected file folder or containment group are not displayed, thereby simplifying the display, and ensuring that the entire direct containment hierarchy can be shown on a single display screen without the need for scrolling in order to obtain or ascertain the context of the given file folder or containment group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a graphical user interface (GUI) for displaying historical and current performance information for a route in a communications network, the route having several paths between two end points. Performance data from the network is collected and processed to generate route and path performance data. The processed data is stored in a database. The GUI is embodied in a network management device which draws upon information stored in the database. In a preferred embodiment, the GUI displays a route panel showing the structure of the route, a timebar showing the time period for which information is displayed, a paths panel showing information about each path in a tabular format, a selected paths panel showing information about selected paths in a tabular format, and a performance panel showing performance data in a graph.

Abstract: Network management can be made more efficient by using a graphical user interface that is clear and concise in what network information is identified and subsequently displayed. One key to improving graphical user interfaces is the categorizing of network entities into a series of attribute layers that define different features of the network entities. For instance, a layer of attributes may include geographical regions, services, customers, or types of network entities. By selecting a base view from the group of geographical regions and then network features for filtering operations from one or more of the other attribute layers, the network entities defined by the selected network features can be identified and isolated with all other irrelevant network entities being filtered out. The advantages to this graphical user interface is especially evident when considering the case that a specific customer, service, or network entity requires special attention.

Abstract: A method and system for a telecommunication network management tool to represent a telecommunication network layout including a plurality of distinct network entities related to one another by a variety of attributes. A user interface can be used for altering a display of a network representation model to help a system manager to systematically navigate the distinct network entities and associated attributes of the selected network. An overlay view selector is used for affecting the display content of the representation on the user interface. The view selector contains a plurality of presentation modes for altering the presentation of desired elements selected from the network layout. Presentation of the selected network includes an information subset displayed over a reference view, which helps the user to maintain the information subset in context of the network layout.

Abstract: High-level requirements specifying bandwidth, degree of featurization and quality of service are input to a network management system (NMS) in an elementary, high-level language. The NMS translates the set of high-level requirements into a set of low-level requirements using a first subroutine. A second subroutine then generates one or more options on the basis of the set of low-level requirements. Each option consists of a detailed technical specification for various elements of the underlying main network. In response to user selection of an option, the NMS converts the option to a set of graphical elements for display using a third subroutine. A cost breakdown is also provided for the selected option. The user may then commit the option to the NMS or reduce the high-level requirements if the cost is deemed too high.

Abstract: A network management method and system for managing a network in which routes between pairs of end points take different paths is provided. To begin, device level status and performance information is collected from the network and transformed into path and route information. Next, from the path and route information parameters which characterize the state of each of the routes are computed. Next, the parameters of each of the routes are displayed graphically. This allows a user to obtain a quick visual identification of the state of all of the routes in the network individually and in relation to one another. The invention also provides a network management graphical user interface method in which a 3-D representation of three axes is displayed. Each axis pertaining to a respective one of three route parameters. On these three axes, for each route a parameter point representing the routes parameters is displayed as a function of time.