Abstract: A packet communications network includes a route management system in which routes can be remotely changed by using a simple set command to set a data value in the originating or terminating node of the route. Storage tables in the originating and destination nodes record the route changes and administrative data concerning the route. This administrative data can be retrieved from the originating node by simple get or get-next commands. The administrative data can include the specific specification of the route in links, the time of creation of the route, the route replaced and the reason for initiating the change in route. Together these capabilities permit centralized management of route changes in the entire network from a single manager node, and using only simple set, get and get-next command structures.