Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method and related network node including one or more of the following: receiving a selection of a configuration template and a second network node to serve a first network node, the configuration template including at least one template field; receiving at least one value for the at least one template field of the configuration template; configuring the first network node according to the configuration template and the at least one value; receiving, in the network management system, configured device information from the first network node; using the configured device information to identify at least one configuration operation to perform on the second network node to provide connectivity to the first network node; generating at least one configuration module for performing the at least one configuration operation; and applying the at least one configuration module to the second network node.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing resources of a management system is provided. The management system is adapted for managing a network having a plurality of network devices. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of grouping the network devices into a plurality of network device groups based on at least one characteristic associated with each of the network devices, and allocating respective portions of the resources of the management system to the network device groups. The at least one characteristic of each network device is indicative of an importance of the network device to the provider. The resources are allocated to the network device groups based on the respective importance of each of the network device groups to the provider.