Abstract: A hierarchical interface component of a router transforms the flat feature presentation of traditional routers into a hierarchical feature presentation. The features are organized as functional components that include sub-components and attributes. Attributes store values relating to routing algorithms and components represent functionality relating to a routing algorithm and may contain additional components (sub-components) or attributes. The hierarchical interface allows a user to easily inspect, modify, and read the router attributes. Further, because the interdependencies of the attributes are clearly and visually displayed to the user, the user may more quickly understand the ramifications of changing a particular router attribute.