Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for quickly generating an error free MIB file of the type used by a SNMP manager to manage and display error and log trap messages received from agents reporting to said manager. This is accomplished by retrieving data from definition and template libraries to be used in conjunction with a network element database to correctly generate, element by element, a completed MIB file.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for generating a submap for nodes located within a flat network without reproducing the entire flat network in the submap. One method for implementing a flat network in a hierarchical network management system includes the steps of selecting a node of the flat network to create a submap having a node symbol, wherein the node symbol corresponds to the node, and generating a temporary symbol, in accordance with a predetermined criterion, for a link originating from the node symbol and terminating at the temporary symbol to represent a connection between the node and a second node of the flat network, wherein the temporary symbol maintains a characteristic of the second node. One system for establishing a submap for a flat network includes a processing unit coupled to a network processor and a storage unit coupled to the processing unit for storing data.