U.S. patent number RE36,444 [Application Number 08/806,227] was granted by the patent office on 1999-12-14 for selecting and locating graphical icon objects to define and configure the workstations in data processing networks.
This patent grant is currently assigned to International Business Machines Corporation. Invention is credited to Alejandra Sanchez-Frank, Martin J. Sirkin.
United States Patent |
RE36,444 |
Sanchez-Frank , et
al. |
December 14, 1999 |
Selecting and locating graphical icon objects to define and
configure the workstations in data processing networks
Abstract
A system and method for configuring communication and database
networks in a user friendly graphical environment and automatically
generating related configuration files. In a preferred practice,
the user defines multiple network workstation nodes using icons,
specifies the resources associated with each icon, defines
connections between icons using specified protocol constraints,
validates the network so defined, and generates the associated
configuration files for the respective workstation nodes. The
workstations have requester/server capability for communication and
database network operation. The configuration files for the
respective workstations in the network are preferably distributed
and installed using the network resources. The network topology
information so created can be stored, retrieved and modified as
necessary to suit the needs of an evolving network.
Inventors: |
Sanchez-Frank; Alejandra
(Austin, TX), Sirkin; Martin J. (Austin, TX) |
Assignee: |
International Business Machines
Corporation (Armonk, NY)
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Family
ID: |
24505209 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/806,227 |
Filed: |
February 24, 1997 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
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625249 |
Dec 10, 1990 |
|
|
|
Reissue of: |
120313 |
Sep 13, 1993 |
05394522 |
Feb 28, 1995 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
715/839; 715/969;
709/220; 709/223 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L
29/00 (20130101); H04L 29/06 (20130101); H04L
41/0843 (20130101); G06F 16/21 (20190101); H04L
41/22 (20130101); H04L 67/36 (20130101); H04L
41/082 (20130101); H04L 41/12 (20130101); H04L
69/329 (20130101); H04L 41/0869 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G06F
3/00 (20060101); G06F 003/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;345/326,358,969,968,970
;395/200.5-200.52,200.53-200.56,200.3 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
IEEE Network, ANM: Automated Network Management System, vol. 2, No.
2 Mar. 1988, M. Feridun et al, New York, pp. 13-19. .
Hewlett-Packard Journal, HP OpenView Windows: A User Interface for
Network Management Solutions, vol. 41, No. 2, Apr. 1990, Smith et
al, US, pp. 60-65. .
Jackson et al., "A Graphical Methodolgy for Simulating
Communication Networks", IEEE, pp. 459-464, Apr. 1988. .
Marsan et al., "Topnet", IEEE, pp. 1735-1747, Dec. 1990. .
Carr, "Networks by Design", LAN Mag., pp. 38-48, Nov. 1990. .
Harding, "Windows & Icons & Mice Oh My!", IEEE, pp.
337-342, Oct. 1989. .
Chang et al., "A Network Status Monitoring System Using Personal
Computer", Globecom '89, pp. 201-206, Nov. 1989. .
Muralidhar et al., "Mapcon", IEEE, pp. 869-873, Jun. 1988. .
Rizzo, "Monitoring Your Network", Mac User, p. 201(3), Aug. 1989.
.
Kramer, "Proteon Provides Net-Management Overview", PC Week, pp.
103(2), Nov. 1988. .
Dupuy, "Nest", Comm. of the ACM, p. 63(12), Oct. 1990. .
Lan Mag., pp. 23-26, 42, 162, Apr. 1989. .
Millikin, "Proteon", Patricia Seybold's Network Monitor, p. 1(10),
Aug. 1989. .
Pompili, "HP Unveils Net-Management System", PC Week, p. C-4(1),
Mar. 1988..
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Primary Examiner: Breene; John E.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Salys; Casimer K.
Parent Case Text
This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/625,249, filed
Dec. 10, 1990, now abandoned.
Claims
We claim:
1. A method by which a configuration workstation is used to
generate configuration parameters for a network of workstations,
comprising the steps of:
generating and positioning by drag-drop manipulation icons for each
of three or more first network objects on a graphical video display
of the configuration workstation;
generating graphical representations of paths and protocols
connecting the first network objects on the video display;
generating parameters for configuring devices in a physical network
responsive to a network defined by a first combination of network
objects and connections; and
distributing the configuration parameters .Iadd.over the network,
.Iaddend.from the configuration workstation to corresponding
devices in the physical network.
2. The method recited in claim 1, further comprising the step
of:
generating and positioning in a second functional mode icons and
representations of paths and protocols corresponding to a second
combination of network objects and connections, some of which icons
and representations of paths and protocols in the second
combination of network objects and connections correspond to the
first combination of network objects and connections.
3. A system for generating parameters which create a network of
multiple workstations, comprising:
means for graphically depicting network nodes on a workstation
display using icon type objects which correspond by node;
means for graphically depicting path and protocol connections on
the workstation display using graphical representations which
relate to selected icon type objects;
means for a user of the workstation display to select and position
by drag-drop manipulation the icon type objects and connections as
depicted on the workstation display;
means for deriving network configuration parameters from
information represented by a combination of the depicted icon type
objects and connections; and
means for distributing the network configuration parameters
.Iadd.over the network, from the means for deriving network
configuration parameters to the multiple workstations.Iaddend..
4. The system recited in claim 3, wherein the means for
distributing network configuration parameters sends those
parameters to physical devices which correspond to icon type
objects.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the configuration of
data processing networks. More particularly, the invention defines
a computer program architecture and method of use for graphically
defining a network and deriving configuration parameters for the
node terminals of the network.
The configuration of multiple personal computers and workstations
into networks, and with increasing frequency hierarchically ordered
sets of networks, provides communication and information retention
resources not available to independent workstations. Consequently,
there exists a significant trend toward network use of
workstations. Unfortunately, the industry remains fluid as to
network protocols and includes as prevailing and representative
communication networks Ethernet, Token-Ring, PC Network (trademark
of IBM Corporation), IEEEE 802.2, Netbios, X.25, SDLC, and APPC.
Furthermore, given that the network users expect database
capability in addition to that of the communication, database
requester and database server functions in workstations and bridges
are similarly subject to particularization in the course of
defining the composite network. Network definition is even further
complicated by the common use of multiple communication boards
interfacing distinctly differing networks in one or more of the
node workstations.
The configuration of the individual workstations in networks to
match communication and database protocols has routinely been the
responsibility of a network administrator. As the number of network
nodes, the number of internetwork bridges and variety of network
protocols increase, it has become apparent that the network
administrator needs computer assistance to define and revise
networks, and to generate the appropriate configuration files for
each of the workstation within the network.
U.S. Pat No. 4,864,492 recognized the need for assisting a network
administrator. The patent thus provides a system and method for
applying a knowledge based expert system to the creation of
configuration parameters individualized to the workstations of
complex networks. The knowledge of the expert system is used to
provide a menu and control the selections available to the network
administrator.
Another reference of some relevance is U.S. Pat No. 4,942,540. The
subject matter in that patent relates to creating and selecting a
communication path between a user's terminal and a destination
terminal by selecting the communication parameters from a
scrollable menu. Graphical representations of the terminals and
path are depicted in response to different menu selections. Though
network usage is noted, the teachings relate to the definition of a
communication path between a pair of terminals, namely, between the
user's local terminal and a single remote terminal.
The increased prevalence of networks with greater numbers of nodes,
diverse communication protocols, and different functional modes,
together with the bridging of multiple local area networks into
wide area networks, has created an environment in which there is a
need for graphically depicting networks having numerous nodes, for
interactively specifying the connecting protocols between the
nodes, and for automating the configuration of each workstation in
the network based upon its capabilities, the modes of operation
defined for the workstation, and the protocols specified for such
modes of operation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a system, a program architecture,
and method of operation by which a network administrator can, as a
first feature, graphically depict a network by defining a
multiplicity of workstation nodes with respective hardware and
operating system characteristics, can then define the protocols of
the communication paths between the network workstations, and based
upon such network of workstations and communication path
constraints can thereafter generate configuration parameters for
the operating systems of the respective workstations. A further
variation of the invention allows the configuration manager to
switch the modes of operation defined for the network, for example
between a communication mode and a database mode, and thereupon
selectively redefine the workstation and communication path
characteristics for the combined modes of operation. A further
refinement of the invention provides for the automated distribution
of such network workstation configuration parameters as an element
of configuring the network depicted by graphical representation.
The network parameters are capable of being stored, recalled,
redefined and retransmitting with relative ease by graphical
manipulation.
These and other features of the invention will be understood and
appreciated with greater specificity upon considering the detailed
description which follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 schematically depicts a network environment relating to a
use of the invention.
FIG. 2 schematically depicts a video display image of a network
node and a related dialog window.
FIGS. 3 and 4 schematically depict video display images at
differing stages of network definition.
FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a video display image of the
network including a dialog window suitable to save network
configuration information.
FIGS. 6-20 contain flow diagrams representing different functions
available to a user of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
FIG. 1 schematically depicts an extended network, which has been
simplified for purposes of illustrating the principles of the
invention, composed of two local area networks, individually having
different forms of workstations, which are joined through a network
bridge. The composite network, often referred to as a wide area
network (WAN), includes a token-ring local area network (LAN) at 1
and a PC Network LAN (PC Network is a trademark of IBM
Corporation), generally at 2, communicating through network bridge
3. Token-ring LAN 1 is shown to have three nodes, including
database and LAN requester node 4, database requester node 6, and
database and LAN server node 7. The nodes are preferably configured
with IBM brand PS/2 (trademark of IBM Corporation) workstations
having appropriate OS/2 (trademark of IBM Corporation) operating
system programs for accomplishing the prescribed functions LAN 2 is
shown to have a single node database requester, again preferably
configured with a PS/2 workstation having the appropriate database
requester OS/2 operating system. Network bridge 3, which joins the
two LANs and thus creates the WAN, is preferably configured with a
PS/2 workstation employing a DOS operating system and running the
Token-Ring Network Bridge Program application program, also
available from IBM Corporation. It should be apparent that
representative real world networks would include a significantly
greater number of workstations nodes, connections and associated
network protocols.
In the context of the network depicted in FIG. 1, the burden of the
network administrator is to configure each of the workstations by
prescribing and individually loading parameters such as node name,
node operating system type, node machine type, node address, and
available communication protocols suitable to accomplish the
defined database requester, LAN requester, database server, LAN
server or network bridge functions attributed to such workstation
node within the network. As the number and diversity of the
workstations and function increase, the complexity of the network
and appropriate configuration definition increased exponentially.
As the variety of hardware types, operating systems, protocols and
modes of operation increase, menu driven tabulated entry of WAN
information is error prone even with the assistance of an expert
system. In part this can be attributed to the fact that the network
administrator is not provided with a dynamically responsive visual
representation of the interactions between network nodes,
connections, protocols and modes of operation.
The present invention introduces the use of graphical
representation to define network elements in the course of deriving
configuration parameters. First, workstations within the network
are graphically depicted as nodes having prescribed hardware
operating system resources, and communication features. The
graphically depicted connection of the nodes is overlayed, but only
following a validation that the selected connections are
functionally compatible with the previously specified node
characteristics. For instances, and with reference to FIG. 1, the
absence of a LAN server operating system in node 7 would preclude
the designation of workstation 7 as a LAN server to workstation 4.
Node 7 can still have the resources to provide database server
functions for workstations 4 and 6.
FIG. 2 depicts an early stage in a preferred use of the invention.
The illustration presents an image as would appear on a video
display of the workstation used by the network administrator. The
screen includes a workspace pane, generally at 8, a
workstation/communication link device/data storage device selection
pane, generally at 9, and a network configuration and protocol
definition pane, generally at 11.
The depiction in FIG. 2 also includes a window 12 overlapping the
workspace, node selection, and connection selection panes. Window
12 is the dialog window associated with workstation 13, a
workstation which was selected from the choices in pane 9 and
placed in workspace 8 for purposes of specifying one node of a
network. Note that the node dialog window 12 is used to specify the
characteristics of the node in terms of machine type, node type and
card (DLC) capability. As embodied, the dialog window 12 provides
for name and address defaults together with resources for
describing two distinct data link cards.
The invention preferably practiced using a PS/2 workstation having
an OS/2 operating system and an IBM brand mouse pointing and
control device. Using such mouse, the network administrator selects
the workstation icon 13 from pane 9 and places it into work space 8
node in the network. Once the dialog information for window 12 has
been entered by the administrator, the functional characteristics
of node 13 are established.
FIG. 3 illustrates the image of the screen at a later stage in the
definition of the network. At this stage an additional workstation
14 as well as database server 16 have been added to the network
being defined. FIG. 3 also illustrates the commencement of a
connection to be definition between workstation 14 and database
server 16. A connection dialog window is not necessary in that the
connection parameters are derivable by matching the connection
network selected from pane 11 to the link card capabilities
ascribed to each workstation node. The three node network depicted
in FIG. 4 corresponds to the token-ring LAN identified at 1 in FIG.
1.
Pane 9 in FIG. 4 includes icons suitable to select an OS/2
operating system database requester workstation 17, an OS/2
operating system database server workstation 18, an OS/2 operating
system database requester and server workstation 19, a DOS database
requester workstation 21, an OS/2 or DOS operating system requester
(whichever is booted) workstation 22, a DOS requester with OS/2
operating system database server workstation 23, and an OS/2
operating system requester and server with DOS requester
workstation 24, and a "no function" overlay 26. The "no function"
overlay icon identifies nodes without specific functionality in the
network mode, e.g., communication or database, being defined. Such
a diversity of node capability alone suggests a monumental effort
for a network administrator not having the resources of the present
invention.
The communication protocols available to link the node workstations
are similarly diverse. The icons representing the various forms of
connection protocol are depicted in pane 11 of FIG. 4. Icon 27
represents a no connection mode of operation, and invokes the mode
use when selecting and dragging node icons from pane 9 into
workspace pane 8. Connection icon 28 represents a SQL LOO
communication LAN. The APPC (advance program to program
communication) network represented by icon 29 corresponds to an IBM
Corporation SNA communication network. The network of icon 31
represents the combined capability of the APPC and the SQL LOO
protocols. Icon 32 corresponds to a netbios network, while network
icon 33 represents a network combining SQL LOO with netbios. Icon
34 represents a network having APPC combined with netbios. Icon 36
represents the relatively all inclusive combination of APPC, SQL
LOO, and netbios protocol capability network. Again, it should be
clearly evident that a network administrator is burdened with an
inordinate selection not only as to the node functions but now also
as to the media of connection and communication between the
nodes.
According to the system, program, and method of the present
invention, the administrator selects icons representing diverse
workstation capabilities and interconnects such workstation nodes
by selecting communication protocols. The nodes and connections are
graphically depicted by icons and connecting lines or arrow
patterns. The network can be manipulated as needed and is
particularized by dialog windows with broad default capability. As
depicted in FIG. 5, by the presence of window 37, the network
configuration information can be stored and subsequently recalled
for selecting refinement. The invention also contemplates a
spreadsheet interface for very large networks, to permit easy
replication of corresponding node functions and connection
protocols. Direct transformation between spreadsheet parameters and
graphical representations is readily accomplished by known
transformation programs and methods.
As a further refinement of the invention, the node and connection
characteristics are preferably validated at the time they are
specified in the workstation used by the network administrator.
Such validation will likely include a comparison of workstation
resources and network requirements, a confirmation of uniqueness in
node addresses and names, a verification of consistency between
machine types and node functions ascribed thereto, and a comparison
of connection protocols to workstation card functionality.
Systematic and automated validation avoids the common prior
experience of discovering configuration errors after configuring
all the workstations and enabling the network.
Preferably validation extends to the whole of the network, thereby
including all nodes and connections. Validation should be performed
at the earliest opportunity, e.g., by validating the structure of a
node when the node name is defined or by validating that two nodes
can communicate with a given protocol when the connection is
defined. Thus, the validation process is distributed among the
operations which can be performed and invoked when first feasible.
Validation also applies to the generation of configuration files,
performed to ensure that an installation would be successful if
undertaken.
The invention also contemplates the creation and ensuing
distribution of the configuration files to the respective node
workstations. The comprehensive definition of the complete network,
including a wide area network, allows for the immediate generation
of configuration files for each of the node workstations. Files are
related to workstation directories. In a network having a
requester/server capability, the present program and process
contemplates the automated and direct distribution of configuration
files from the workstation of the network administrator. In the
absence of such LAN requester/server capability, floppy disks are
generated for each network workstation. Thereafter, installation
into each workstation becomes fairly mundane.
The network topology storage and recollection feature of the
present invention provides the network administrator with the
resources to update the network as changes occur in the node
functions or connection protocols. New configuration files are
thereafter installed manually or via the LAN requester/server
distribution method described above. The invention contemplates
that such updates be selectively limited to only those of the
workstations within the network which have had configuration
changes. Again, automated comparison in the context of exceptional
workstation and connection protocol diversity reduces
reconfiguration delays the likelihood of errors.
Flow diagrams representing the dominate features of the program and
method to which the invention pertains are depicted in the
succession of FIGS. 6-20. The letter "A" within a circle symbolizes
a program state in which a user input is being sought. Text
adjacent such symbols in a starting location describes the command
provided by the user to initiate the ensuing operation. Such
commands are derivatives of the menus appearing at the headings of
the screen images depicted in FIGS. 2-5, or can be invoked by user
manipulation of the keyboard or mouse. The features of the flow
diagrams will be described briefly in the ensuing paragraphs.
FIG. 6 relates to the start of the program. FIG. 7 involves a
transition to an OS/2 Extended Edition Version 1.2 operating system
Presentation Manager program routine as one might invoke to scroll,
move or resize a window. FIG. 8 illustrates the sequence involved
in saving a network depiction in a nonvolatile memory file, while
FIG. 9 relates to the recall of such previously saved network data
file. FIG. 10 relates to the selection of a node icon from the pane
9 (FIG. 4). FIG. 11 relates to the generation of configuration
files for a network that has been defined, including the automated
installation thereof for networks having the requisite LAN
requester/server resources.
The flow diagram in FIG. 12 depicts the operations relating to the
definition of a node within the workspace pane, and as such
includes both its placement and functional dialog activity. FIGS.
13-16 relate to the view, delete, dialog, and save/restore menu
options. FIG. 17 relates to the operations by which default
parameters are defined.
FIG. 18 depicts the operations of the program and method to
replicate the network nodes for purposes of creating other nodes
with similar properties and network connections, e.g., a database
mode network versus a communication mode network. This is also
where icon 26 (FIG. 4) is used to identify the presence of a
workstation which lacks the resources to operate as a functional
node within the context of the mode being defined. For instances,
as a first mode the network can be defined in terms of
communications capability. Thereafter, the same network of
workstations can be redefined for purposes of database
functionality. Thus, some nodes can be inoperative in one or the
other network modes. The noted icon is used to identify to the
network administrator and program the nodes which are inoperative
to the mode under consideration.
FIG. 19 sets forth the operations by which nodes in the workspace
panel are connected according to defined protocols. FIG. 20 relates
to the operations involved in modifying a previously defined
network, and to translations between local and wide area network
depictions.
The program of the present invention is further defined by pseudo
code of a form and content suitable for one of skill in the art to
derive source code to implement the operations as depicted by flow
diagram and video display screen images.
START PROGRAM
1. Load in language specific files
2. Load in options files
3. Initialize all graphics variables, and display starting
screen.
4. Gather user input.
5. Case (input) is:
A. Exit from program:
1. Exit and close up files.
B. Scroll, resize or move a window:
1. Scroll, resize or move a window.
C. Save a network menu item:
1. Put up file dialog to select a file.
2. If file selected . . .
A. If that file already exists . . .
1. Ask if user wants to over-write.
2. If so, write new topology file.
B. Else . . .
1. Write the topology file.
D. Restore a network menu item:
1. Put up file dialog to select a file.
2. If file selected . . .
A. Clear the current network(s).
B. Load the new network(s) into memory.
C. Display the new network(s).
E. Generate configuration files menu item:
1. Generate all necessary files for all workstations.
2. If using LAN distribution . . .
A. Send files over LAN to proper workstations.
B. Run a remote program on each workstation to install the
files.
C. Each workstation must be rebooted to use changes.
3. Else . . .
A. Create one diskette for each workstation.
B. Put each diskette into proper workstation.
C. Run a program (reboot) each workstation.
D. Each workstation must be rebooted to use changes.
F. Click on a node or connection in the right pane:
1. Make that node or connection the "current" one (highlight
it).
G. Click on an icon below the line in the left pane:
1. Change the connection mode to that mode.
H. Drag an icon from above the line in the left pane:
1. If icon ends up in right pane . . .
A. If all data items are auto-defaulted . . .
1. Put new node on screen. Add to data structure.
B. Else . . .
2. Goto main item I.
I. Create a node menu item:
A. Put up the create node dialog.
B. If all data items entered OK . . .
1. If data accepted by user . . .
A. Put new node on screen. Add to data structure.
J. Change view menu item:
1. Change the screen view to the selected view.
K. Delete menu item:
1. Delete current node/connection from screen memory.
L. View a node/connection menu item:
1. Put up view node/connection dialog.
M. One of the default items menu items:
1. Put proper default dialog box.
2. If data changed . . .
A. If data is OK . . .
1. Change the default values.
N. One of the options menu items:
1. Put up proper option dialog box.
2. If data changed . . .
A. If data is OK . . .
1. Change the option values.
O. Save options menu item:
1. Write options to options file.
P. Restore options menu item:
1. Read in and change options from options file.
Q. Drag a node in the right pane:
1. If in a connection mode . . .
A. Draw a rubber band line.
B. If end location is in a different node . . .
1. If connection is valid . . . A. Make and draw the
connection.
2. Else . . .
A. Drag node to new location.
B. Fix up screen image.
R. Double click a node/connection in right pane:
1. If in Wide Area Network View and click on a node . . .
A. Switch to a view of the selected node.
2. Else . . .
A. Put up modify node/connection dialog.
B. If data is changed and is valid . . .
1. Modify node/connection.
2. Change memory/screen image.
S. Modify menu item:
1. Goto item R.2.A
T. Copy menu item:
1. If current item is a node . . .
A. Put up the copy node dialog.
B. If data entered OK . . .
1. If all data is auto defaulted . . . A. Create the copies and
connections. B. Update the screen and memory.
2. Else . . . A. Put up one dialog for each copy . . . B. If data
entered is valid . . . 1. Create that copy in memory and on
screen.
END PROGRAM
The present invention has by system, computer program, and method
provided a network administrator, or one of like responsibility,
with the resources for graphically defining and configuring a
network, including sub-networks thereof, each composed of multiple
nodes and connection paths. The respective nodes and connection
paths are capable of exhibiting selectively diverse functionality.
The network can be validated during design and subject to automated
distribution as configuration files to respective network
workstations. The network topology can be retained for subsequent
revision and is subject to individualized configuration by mode,
such as communication and database.
Though the invention has been described and illustrated by way of
specific embodiments, the programs and methods should be understood
to encompass the full scope of any structures and practices defined
by the claims set forth hereinafter.
* * * * *