Abstract: Various embodiments provide an apparatus and method for sharing a generic configuration across a group of network devices. An example embodiment includes sending a scope challenge to a plurality of network devices; receiving a response to the scope challenge from a plurality of in-scope network devices; sending a configuration change message including a configuration change to the plurality of in-scope network devices; and receiving a commit message from the plurality of in-scope network devices indicating that the configuration change has been committed.

Abstract: A method of determining a network topology based on Spanning-tree-Algorithm-designated ports is disclosed. A first Spanning-tree-Algorithm-designated port that is associated with a network interface of a first network device is determined. A second Spanning-tree-Algorithm-designated port that is associated with a network interface of a second network device is determined. Based on the first designated port and the second designated port, it is determined whether the network interface of the first network device is connected to the network interface of the second network device.