Overlay view method and system for representing network topology

A method for visually distinguishing a selected telecommunication information subset related to a selected telecommunication network layout, the method comprising the steps of:

• a) selecting a data set representing the selected network;
• b) specifying a selected parameter for providing the selected information subset and a reference view, the reference view comprising a data subset contained in the data set representing the selected network;
• c) combining the information subset and the reference view for assembling an altered representation according to the selected parameter;
• and
• d) displaying the altered representation on a display;
• wherein the selected parameter affects the display content of the altered representation which provides a visual distinction between the selected information subset and the reference view of the representation.

A computer program product for visualizing a selected telecommunication information subset related to a selected telecommunication network layout, the product comprising:

• a) a computer readable medium;
• b) a user interface module stored on the medium for assembling an altered representation of the network configuration through a selected parameter, the user interface module for coordinating the display of the representation on a display;
• c) a view selector module coupled to said user interface module for specifying the selected information subset and a reference view, the reference view comprising a data subset contained in the network layout;
• and
• d) a display controller module coupled to said user interface module for combining the information subset and the reference view to assemble the representation according to the selected parameter;
• wherein the selected parameter affects the display content of the representation which provides a visual distinction between the selected information subset and the reference view of the representation.