Abstract: A comprehensive network map for a graphical user interface (GUI) of a communication network, illustrates all outside links to network devices external to said map. To this end, the connections between a network device on the map and all groups of network devices outside of the map are illustrated using an interactive multiple link connector icon associated to the network device. The connector icon comprises a button for enabling display of a multiple link connector (MLC) list. Each row of the MLC list comprises an outside link widget associated with a group identification widget. A list with all connection between the network device and an associated group of outside network devices is displayed on the map upon selection of the outside link widget on the MLC list. Furthermore, a sub-map of a group is displayed upon selection of the respective group identification widget.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for managing bookmarks of hierarchical network objects within a network management tool or other application for managing or viewing network objects within a network object hierarchy. An operator can bookmark network objects while investigating a network, and can quickly return to a view of a bookmarked network object by selecting the appropriate bookmark. The invention allows an operator to concentrate on managing the network objects rather than spending unnecessary time navigating through the hierarchy to reach or even locate particular network objects.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for displaying network object hierarchy information within a network management tool. When displaying information about a network object, the network management tool also displays a row of buttons representing different layers within the network hierarchy. A button representing the root object, or entire network, is displayed at one end, and a button representing the network object currently being displayed is displayed at the other end. Arranged between these are intermediate buttons representing network objects within the hierarchy between the root object and the network object being displayed, the intermediate buttons being ordered in accordance with the position within the hierarchy of the corresponding network objects. The invention allows an operator to quickly see for which point in the network hierarchy he or she is currently seeing network information.

Abstract: A comprehensive network map for a graphical user interface (GUI) of a communication network, illustrates all outside links to network devices external to said map. To this end, the connections between a network device on the map and all groups of network devices outside of the map are illustrated using an interactive multiple link connector icon associated to the network device. The connector icon comprises a button for enabling display of a multiple link connector (MLC) list. Each row of the MLC list comprises an outside link widget associated with a group identification widget. A list with all connection between the network device and an associated group of outside network devices is displayed on the map upon selection of the outside link widget on the MLC list. Furthermore, a sub-map of a group is displayed upon selection of the respective group identification widget.

Abstract: For displaying information on all highlighted objects in a hierarchical chain of objects, a graphical user interface (GUI), identifies an original highlighted object displayed on a window at a selected hierarchically level. The highlighted object(s) subtended by the original object at the hierarchically next lower level is/are identified and selected from an object storage means, etc, until all highlighted objects corresponding to the original object are identified and selected. The selected objects are placed in a list, and the GIU displays the list in a highlighted objects window where the objects are arranged in a specified order. The list comprises a row for each highlighted object, and a plurality of columns, each column for providing a specified attribute of the object. The GUI may then selects order of the objects in the window by sorting the list by any of the columns.

Abstract: A modified object information window includes a custom field area and an operator's note area, which enable operators to define attributes of their liking for an object. One or more custom fields may be accommodated in the custom field area, each being associated with a custom attribute field. The operator note area comprises a note text box allowing operators to leave notes pertaining to specific objects. These additional areas enable an operator to define and search on attributes relevant to that particular network. The objects associated with the object information window can be selected from the window, allowing the operator to also perform further analysis and repair objects from this window.