Abstract: In an OSS, storing a plurality, typically less than all, of name-value pairs from a sample space and calculating a “representative” value based on values in the entire sample space. Optionally, a “remainder” value can be generated based on name-value pairs in the sample space that were not stored as part of the plurality of name-value pairs. Displays may be generated based on the top “M” name-value pairs, with “M” typically being set by the user at some number less than “M.

Abstract: A method and system of modeling a selected service within a network environment includes forming a service model template that is not specific to the network environment, but identifies anticipated network elements and network services that cooperate to enable the selected service. The service model template includes specifications related to linking the anticipated network elements and network services. When the service model template is combined with discovered instance information that is specific to actual network elements and actual network services, a service model instance is generated for the selected service. The service model instance includes identifications of dependencies among the elements and services. Preferably, the service model instance also includes identification of the “health” of the different elements and services.

Abstract: A method and system for modeling services available via a network include selecting a core service that is to be modeled, forming a discovery template that is specific to the selected core service, and automatically discovering the elements which cooperate to provide the core service. The discovery template includes instructions for implementing automated techniques for discovering service elements, and preferably services, which are anticipated as being cooperative in executing the core service. The system includes a number of discovery modules for generating outputs indicative of the services and service elements. A discovery engine is responsive to the discovery template to invoke the modules that are identified in the template as being relevant to discovering specified services and service elements. The template also identifies dependencies among the modules, so that the proper sequence of processing can be determined.

Abstract: Provided is a circuit for preventing local area network packets shorter than a predetermined bit length from being received by a local area network coprocessor. Serial data which would otherwise be received by the coprocessor is delayed by a data-shift register of predetermined bit length. Simultaneously, a carrier-sense-signal, which alerts the coprocessor that serial data is ready to be received, is modified by a carrier-sense-signal regeneration circuit. If the carrier-sense-signal is detected true by the regeneration circuit for a number of clock cycles equal to the number of bits in the data-shift register, then the carrier-sense-signal is delivered to the coprocessor and the data in the data-shift register is received by the coprocessor. Once the carrier-sense signal goes false, the regeneration circuit continues to deliver the carrier-sense-signal until the data-shift register empties.