Simple home networking

US 20070022185A1

(io) Pub. No.: US 2007/0022185 Al (43) Pub. Date: Jan. 25, 2007

(54) SIMPLE HOME NETWORKING

(76) Inventors: Stuart Hamilton, Livermore, CA (US);

Pamela S. Lee, San Jose, CA (US);
Archana Rao, Cupertino, CA (US)

Correspondence Address:

MACPHERSON KWOK CHEN & HEID LLP
2033 GATEWAY PLACE
SUITE 400

SAN JOSE, CA 95110 (US)

(21) Appl. No.: 11/188,611

(22) Filed: Jul. 25, 2005

Publication Classification

(51) Int. CI.

G06F 15/177 (2006.01)

(52) U.S. CI 709/220

(57) ABSTRACT

A network management system is provided for managing a computer network. The management system is configured to represent the computer network as having one of a plurality of defined network states. Once the state of the network has been identified, the management system can assist the user in making modifications to the computer network and in making recommendations to the user for possible modifications to the computer network. These modifications can include, for example, configuring network devices, removing network devices, replacing network devices, and adding new network devices.