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Graphical representation of computer network topology and activity

  • US 5,768,552 A
  • Filed: 07/30/1996
  • Issued: 06/16/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/28/1990
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. In a computer display system connected to a computer network, said computer display system having a processor, a display device coupled to said processor, and a network interface coupled to said processor, said network interface coupling said computer display system to said computer network, said computer network connecting a plurality of host computers in a particular topology, a process for displaying on said display device a graphical representation of said network and information transfer activity occurring between said host computers of said network, said process comprising the steps of:

  • generating a geometric shape substantially resembling a circular shape, said geometric shape representing said network of host computers, each of said host computers being associated with a unique position on said geometric shape;

    arranging said unique positions associated with said host computers in a substantially circular arrangement on or near the perimeter of said geometric shape;

    displaying said arrangement on said display device;

    receiving one of one or more information packets transmitted on said network by one of said host computers;

    decoding information contained in said received information packet;

    compiling a database containing database entries which include said information contained in said received information packet and traffic data indicating the amount of data being transferred between said host computers; and

    displaying said information transfer activity with said arrangement on said display device by displaying an indicia on said arrangement indicating data being transferred between said host computers when data is transferred between said host computers, wherein the appearance of said indicia is related to said traffic data contained in said database entries.

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