Abstract: A method for reconfiguring network security devices coupled to a network directory services server, the network directory services server providing network directory services to the network security devices, includes the steps of storing configuration data for a first network security device at a pre-determined directory location, copying the configuration data from the predetermined directory location to a directory used by the first network security device using the network directory services in response to a first reconfigure request, and updating configuration of the first network security device according to the configuration data in the directory used by the first network security device.

Abstract: A method for configuring a plurality of network security devices, includes the steps of providing a network directory services server providing network directory services to a plurality of network servers, each of the plurality of network servers coupled to one of the plurality of network security devices, implementing a security policy for the plurality of network security devices on the network directory services server, and using the network directory services to provide configuration information for the plurality of network security devices, in response to the security policy.

Abstract: A novel method for a network of computers to improve quality of services using a combination of a bandwidth management tool in a firewall. The method includes the steps of providing a network directory services server providing network directory services to a plurality of network servers, each of the plurality of network servers coupled to one of the plurality of network quality of service devices, implementing a quality of service policy for the plurality of network quality of service devices on the network directory services server, and using the network directory services to provide configuration information for the plurality of network quality of service devices, in response to the quality of service policy.