Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention sends SNMP queries to sets and/or ranges of IP numbers to determine whether a network device exists at each IP number and whether the network device has IP forwarding capabilities. The set of IP numbers searched may be specified by specifying ranges or subnets or by providing a list of discrete IP numbers. When a new network device with IP forwarding capabilities is discovered, that network device is added to a list of discovered network devices. The list is displayed to the network manager. In one embodiment, in addition to discovering newly added devices via IP number polling, the invention also discovers newly added devices from SNMP messages (“traps”) broadcast by a newly added device. In one embodiment, each network device discovered as a result of a SNMP trap is added to the newly discovered device list.

Abstract: A framework for connectivity verification is provided. The framework includes a connectivity verification server performing unattended connectivity verification, and a connectivity verification application, both the connectivity verification server and connectivity verification application operating in a network management context. Connectivity verification jobs are defined via the connectivity verification application and the connectivity verification server is configured accordingly. Connectivity verification jobs can also be scheduled. The connectivity verification application also provides a display of connectivity verification results. The results of each connectivity verification job may be compared against a desired connectivity profile and deviations from the connectivity profile being used to raise alarms.

Abstract: A managed entity view framework and methods for obtaining configuration information, diagnostic information, and statistic information in support of operations management actions is presented. The method includes validating a managed entity viewing script template for execution on a target managed entity, retrieving target managed entity specific template parameter values, populating the managed entity viewing script template to derive a managed entity viewing script therefrom, and submitting the script for execution on the target managed entity. Managed entity viewing scripts are used to retrieve current information from corresponding target managed communications network entities whenever required. Upon receiving a trap at the NMS from a managed communications network entity, trap-directed managed entity viewing scripts are autonomously submitted for execution on the managed communications network entity to collect information for problem isolation and eventual resolution.

Abstract: A CLI command script template management system, tool, and human machine interface for script-based configuration management, service provisioning, operations and maintenance is provided. The system includes a CLI command dictionary repository, and means for loading a CLI command dictionary at run-time. Methods provide for obtaining a CLI command specification compatible with the CLI command set version currently deployed on the managed entity. The managed entity's help functionality is invoked and the output is captured and parsed to discover the CLI commands set currently deployed on the managed entity. Advantages are derived from enabling operations management personnel to create CLI script templates easily for any active managed entity deployed in a managed communications network, based on the vendor and model specific network node CLI command set software release currently installed thereon.

Abstract: A managed entity view framework and methods for obtaining configuration information, diagnostic information, and statistic information in support of operations management actions is presented. The method includes validating a managed entity viewing script template for execution on a target managed entity, retrieving target managed entity specific template parameter values, populating the managed entity viewing script template to derive a managed entity viewing script therefrom, and submitting the script for execution on the target managed entity. Advantages are derived from a reduced need to model, and maintain models of, managed communications network entities, therefore reducing the need update managed communications network entity model data including managed communications network entity information. Instead managed entity viewing scripts are used to retrieve current information from corresponding target managed communications network entities whenever required.

Abstract: A framework for connectivity verification is provided. The framework includes a connectivity verification server performing unattended connectivity verification, and a connectivity verification application, both the connectivity verification server and connectivity verification application operating in a network management context. Connectivity verification jobs are defined via the connectivity verification application and the connectivity verification server is configured accordingly. Connectivity verification jobs can also be scheduled. The connectivity verification application also provides a display of connectivity verification results. The results of each connectivity verification job may be compared against a desired connectivity profile and deviations from the connectivity profile being used to raise alarms.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for automatic discovery of network devices with data forwarding capabilities. In one embodiment, the present invention sends SNMP queries to sets and/or ranges of IP numbers to determine whether a network device exists at each IP number and whether the network device has IP forwarding capabilities. The set of IP numbers searched may be specified by specifying ranges or subnets or by providing a list of discrete IP numbers. When a new network device with IP forwarding capabilities is discovered, that network device (identified by its IP number and SNMP description field) is added to a list of discovered network devices. The list is displayed to the network manager, who has the option of selecting none, one, or more than one of the network devices on the network device list for management by the network manager's network management system.