Interactive Topology Graphs for Visualization and Characterization of Sonet Consumption Patterns

• US 20090116409A1
• Filed: 01/06/2009
• Published: 05/07/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 09/29/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: SBC Technology Resources, Inc. (AT&T, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: SBC Technology Resources, Inc. (AT&T, Inc.)
• Inventors: CHEN, Chuxin, NOLL, George T., GNAUCK, Ralph
• Application Number:
  US12/349,333
• Publication Number:
  US 20090116409A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 370/254
• CPC Class Codes: H04J 2203/0042 Ring
• CPC Class Codes: H04J 2203/0057 Operations, administration and maintenance [OAM]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/12 Discovery or management of network topologies
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/22 comprising specially adapted graphical user interfaces [GUI]

Abstract

A computer-based monitoring system provides interactive topology information about a synchronized optical network (SONET). The monitoring system utilizes a trunks integrated record keeping system (TIRKS) connected to the SONET for collecting status data in a raw format. A computer system retrieves the raw format status data from TIRKS and provides the data in a simple graphical user interface to a user. The interface includes several menus from which the user may specify specific components of the SONET, and a graphical output for providing a graphical representation of the SONET. The graphical output illustrates each node and link and interactively provides more detailed information about any user selected link or node.

Claims

1. An apparatus for visualizing at least a portion of a telecommunications network, the apparatus comprising a display, a processor for executing computer program instructions, and a computer program comprising instructions for:

providing one or more menus on the display from which a user may specify specific components of the telecommunications network;

calculating and drawing a graphical representation of the telecommunications network illustrating each node and link of the telecommunications network specified by the user;

receiving a user selection for identifying one node of the telecommunications network;

accessing an inventory system for data related to the user selection; and

providing the display with more detailed information about the selected node.

2. A method for visualizing at least a portion of a telecommunications network, the method comprising:

providing one or more menus on a computer display from which a user may specify specific components of the telecommunications network;

calculating and drawing a graphical representation of the telecommunications network illustrating each node and link of the telecommunications network specified by the user;

receiving a user selection for identifying one node of the telecommunications network;

accessing an inventory system for data related to the user selection; and

providing the computer display with more detailed information about the selected node.