Abstract: A method of interacting with a managed data network entity is provided. The method includes a sequence of steps. A change in the operational state of the managed data network entity is detected. A CLI dictionary entry is retrieved form a CLI dictionary associated with the data network entity. Based on the retrieved CLI dictionary entry, CLI commands are extracted therefrom to configure the managed data network entity to reflect the detected change in the operational state. A CLI command sequence is built from the extracted CLI commands. Each CLI command in the command sequence is sent to the managed data network entity for execution. CLI command responses are monitored. Based on a successful execution of CLI commands send, subsequent CLI commands in the CLI command sequence are sent for execution. The solution provides automated configuration management of data network entities from different vendors when SNMP is not a viable option.

Abstract: A method of interacting with a managed data network entity is provided. The method includes a sequence of steps. A change in the operational state of the managed data network entity is detected. A CLI dictionary entry is retrieved form a CLI dictionary associated with the data network entity. Based on the retrieved CLI dictionary entry, CLI commands are extracted therefrom to configure the managed data network entity to reflect the detected change in the operational state. A CLI command sequence is built from the extracted CLI commands. Each CLI command in the command sequence is sent to the managed data network entity for execution. CLI command responses are monitored. Based on a successful execution of CLI commands send, subsequent CLI commands in the CLI command sequence are sent for execution. The solution provides automated configuration management of data network entities from different vendors when SNMP is not a viable option.

Abstract: A method and human-machine interface for backbone Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) provisioning in bridged networking environments are provided. The method includes steps of provisioning backbone VLAN support on every backbone data transport trunk and by extension of every stackable data trunk port in the associated data transport network. The human-machine interface enables an operator to expediently effect VLAN provisioning abstracting the intricacies of the data transport network over which VLAN services are provisioned. Advantages are derived from backbone VLAN provisioning independent of an underlying in-use active spanning-tree topology. In particular backbone VLANs are provisioned over spanning-tree stand-by designated backbone data transport trunk links and therefore preprovisioned in the case of spanning-tree re-configuration. Customer VLANs are mapped onto backbone VLANs ensuring data traffic differentiation, and providing standard VLAN identifier portability.

Abstract: A method of automatic discovery of existing Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) configuration in a bridged network is provided. The method includes steps of: reconciling a data transport infrastructure in a data transport network; reconciling data transport node configurations; gathering nodal VLAN configurations from all data transport nodes; correlating the data transport infrastructure information, node configuration information and nodal VLAN configurations; and extracting network-wide provisioned VLAN configuration subject to discrepancies. A VLAN auto-discovery application tool having human-machine interface is also provided. The VLAN auto-discovery application tool is operable to initiate the VLAN auto-discovery process and to display the discovered VLAN configuration. The VLAN auto-discovery human-machine interface also is adapted to display a VLAN-specific provisioning status.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for network management that allows the configuration of IP links in one step, via a GUI form, even though the management protocols available at the two end links (routers) may differ. According to one embodiment, the method comprises gathering information from the user, validating this information, and then sending this information to the appropriate router(s). According to one embodiment, the method enables a user to specify various configurations when provisioning an IP link, for example, the type of IP link (Point-to-Point, Point-to-IP, or Point-to-Subnet), the numbering type (Numbered or Unnumbered), the application type (MPLS and/or IP Forwarding), and the sub-layer interfaces to be used (Packet Over Sonet, Asynchronous Transfer Mode, GigEthernet, and others).

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for automatic discovery of logical links between network devices. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises part of a network management system (“NM”) that manages a discrete set of network devices. The NM sends SNMP queries to individual network devices managed by the NM to obtain interface configuration data for each of the network interfaces of the device. The information requested includes destination information (“next hop” or “neighbor” IP address) for data packets sent from the interface. The NM checks to see whether a logical link corresponding to the received configuration information already exists in a logical link database maintained by the NM. If such a link exists the NM checks to see if the existing information for the link is valid. If the existing link data is valid, no change is made.

Abstract: A method of interacting with a managed data network entity is provided. The method includes a sequence of steps. A change in the operational state of the managed data network entity is detected. A CLI dictionary entry is retrieved form a CLI dictionary associated with the data network entity. Based on the retrieved CLI dictionary entry, CLI commands are extracted therefrom to configure the managed data network entity to reflect the detected change in the operational state. A CLI command sequence is built from the extracted CLI commands. Each CLI command in the command sequence is sent to the managed data network entity for execution. CLI command responses are monitored. Based on a successful execution of CLI commands send, subsequent CLI commands in the CLI command sequence are sent for execution. The solution provides automated configuration management of data network entities from different vendors when SNMP is not a viable option.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for automatic discovery of network devices with data forwarding capabilities. In one embodiment, the present invention sends SNMP queries to sets and/or ranges of IP numbers to determine whether a network device exists at each IP number and whether the network device has IP forwarding capabilities. The set of IP numbers searched may be specified by specifying ranges or subnets or by providing a list of discrete IP numbers. When a new network device with IP forwarding capabilities is discovered, that network device (identified by its IP number and SNMP description field) is added to a list of discovered network devices. The list is displayed to the network manager, who has the option of selecting none, one, or more than one of the network devices on the network device list for management by the network manager's network management system.