Apparatus, system, and method for indicating a level of network activity
First Claim
1. An activity-level indicator comprising:
- a controller operable to receive an activity level of a port from a processor associated with the port and to generate a signal that is related to the activity level; and
an indicator device coupled to the controller and operable to indicate the activity level in response to the signal.
2 Assignments
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Accused Products
Abstract
A controller generates a signal to control network activity-indicator devices based upon activity-level information provided by the central processing unit of a network component. This shifts the significant burden of controlling the indicator device from the central processing unit to the controller. The activity indicator-flashing pattern may change non-linearly relative to changes in the activity level to improve the quality of the information provided to network administrators. In addition, the flashing may also be randomized to provide a perception of actual network traffic patterns, and to reduce any appearance of correlated or synchronized flashing when multiple activity indicators are displayed.
15 Citations
24 Claims
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1. An activity-level indicator comprising:
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a controller operable to receive an activity level of a port from a processor associated with the port and to generate a signal that is related to the activity level; and
an indicator device coupled to the controller and operable to indicate the activity level in response to the signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. An activity-level indicator comprising:
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a controller operable to receive an activity level of a port from a processor associated with the port and to generate a signal that is related to the activity level, the signal comprising a series of separated pulses, the separation between pulses being a non-linear function of the activity level; and
an indicator device coupled to the controller and operable to indicate the activity level in response to the signal. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8)
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9. An activity-level indicator comprising:
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a controller operable to receive an activity level of a port from a processor associated with the port, and to generate a signal that is related to the activity level, the signal comprising a series of separated pulses, the length of a separation being randomized within a predetermined range for that activity level; and
an indicator device coupled to the controller and operable to indicate the activity level in response to the signal. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A system for indicating the activity level of a port, comprising:
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a processor operable to receive port activity information and determine a port activity level;
a controller operable to receive the port activity level, and to generate a signal that is related to the activity level; and
an indicator device coupled to the controller and operable to indicate the activity level in response to the signal.
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15. A system for indicating the activity level of a port, comprising:
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a processor operable to receive port activity information, and determine a port activity level;
a controller operable to receive the port activity level and to generate a signal that is related to the activity level, the signal comprising a series of separated pulses, the separation between pulses being a non-linear function of the activity level; and
an indicator device coupled to the controller and operable to indicate the activity level in response to the signal.
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16. A system for indicating the activity level of a port to a user, comprising:
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a processor operable to receive port activity information, and determine a port activity level;
a controller operable to receive an activity level of a port, to generate a randomized number, and to generate a signal that is related to the activity level, the signal comprising a series of separated pulses, the length of a separation being randomized within a predetermined range for that activity level; and
an indicator device coupled to the controller and operable to indicate the activity level in response to the signal.
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17. A method of representing the activity level of a port, comprising the steps of:
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receiving port activity information with a processor;
determining a port activity level with a processor;
generating a signal related to the port activity level with a controller that is separate from the processor; and
indicating the activity level with an indicator device coupled to the controller and driven by the signal. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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20. A method of representing the activity level of a port, comprising the steps of:
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receiving port activity information with a processor;
determining a port activity level with a processor;
generating a signal related to the port activity level with a controller that is separate from the processor, the signal comprising a series of separated pulses, the separation between pulses being a non-linear function of the activity level; and
indicating the activity level with an indicator device coupled to the controller and driven by the signal. - View Dependent Claims (21)
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22. A method of representing the activity level of a port, comprising the steps of:
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receiving port activity information with a processor;
determining a port activity level with a processor;
generating a signal related to the port activity level with a controller that is separate from the processor, the signal comprising a series of separated pulses, the length of a separation being randomized within a predetermined range for that activity level; and
indicating the activity level with an indicator device coupled to the controller and driven by the signal. - View Dependent Claims (23)
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24. An activity-level indicator comprising:
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means for receiving an activity level of a port from a processor associated with the port and generating a signal that is related to the activity level; and
means for indicating the activity level in response to the signal.
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Specification