Abstract: An improved method for dynamically and centrally managing a network which is being partitioned into Focal Point (FP) nodes and non-FP (NFP) or serviced nodes. Each FP node provides management services to an assigned group of non-FP nodes. The names of the non-FP nodes are maintained in a table called a "sphere of control" (SOC) table at the FP node that services those NFP nodes. As NFP nodes in the SOC table become active, the FP establishes a session with the NFP node and sends it a "Request to be Your FP" message. If the NFP node supports the keys (bit pattern identifying a particular category of management services data) for which authorization is being requested, the NFP node replies positively acknowledging the requestor as its focal point for the specified key. Thereafter, problem messages which are related to the particular type of management services are forwarded to the FP node.

Abstract: Data communications neworks may be composed of many different physical devices linked together in various layers and using various protocols for communication. The multiple physical elements that make up such communication networks or links are often supplied by diverse vendors. As a result, isolation and diagnosis of communication failures becomes an extremely difficult and cumbersome process. The present system and method simplify the process greatly by premitting a system control operator or control application program to issue generic, non-device-specific problem isolation, control or diagnostic commands to the communication neetwork by identifying the link and target node for which problem isolation and diagnosis is required.