Search in network management UI controls

摘要

A network search function is disclosed. A network administrator enters a search term. The search function determines whether any items or network devices listed in a network control user interface match the search term. The network administrator can stipulate whether the match be either an explicit match or an implicit match. All of the matches, if any, are automatically highlighted and selected. Thereby, the network administrator can perform an operation on these matches based on the search function, without having to manually locate and then manually click to select the desired items or network devices.

主权项

1. A method of managing network devices coupled to a network comprising:
displaying items corresponding to the network devices; accepting a search term; searching the items to find matches between the search term and the items; visually indicating items that match the search term; automatically selecting the items that match the search term, wherein a network operation that modifies a setting of the items that match the search term is performed without having to re-select the items, wherein the network operation comprises at least one of controlling, monitoring, and configuring the items; comparing the search term to network information corresponding to the items to find potential matches; displaying at least one search criterion, wherein the search criterion is based on a selected network application; and grouping selected items that match the search term into a group and assigning an identifier for the group, wherein selecting the identifier causes all of the items belonging to the group to be selected.