Abstract: The invention relates to graphical user interfaces for managing electronic networks, such computer networks, storage area networks (SANs), and the like. Specifically, the invention provides a simplified means of managing large numbers of parameters associated with devices in such networks. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a method of displaying devices forming a network. In a first step, a computer system associated with a graphical user interface queries the network to determine what devices are present in the network, and the interconnections of such devices. The results of this determination are stored, as is the time of this determination. Later, a second query is performed and the results are compared to the first query. Symbols representing elements of the network are displayed on the graphical user interface.

Abstract: The invention relates to graphical user interfaces for managing electronic networks, such computer networks, storage area networks (SANs), and the like. Specifically, the invention provides a simplified means of managing large numbers of parameters associated with devices in such networks. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a method of displaying devices forming a network. In a first step, a computer system associated with a graphical user interface queries the network to determine what devices are present in the network, and the interconnections of such devices. The results of this determination are stored, as is the time of this determination. Later, a second query is performed and the results are compared to the first query. Symbols representing elements of the network are displayed on the graphical user interface.

Abstract: NIC collected network statistics are captured by agent devices resident on Host machines of a network. A probe (software or hardware) retrieves the collected statistics from one or more monitored hosts (each host on the network, for example) and places them in RMON MIB and RMON extension MIB formats. The MIB data is retrieved by queries from a data correlation device that then correlates the queried data into useful statistics regarding network traffic. The useful statistics include network traffic in bytes per second for each application, application protocol, hosts, user logon id, etc. for each of the monitored hosts. Different views including a host to host matrix view are provided in a split window display.

Abstract: A framework for extending a network management platform, including an object manager that retrieves an entire class hierarchy including any code or other functionality needed to retrieve data about a server or other network device (e.g., code needed to retrieve actual instances of an object of the class). The object manager holds the object hierarchy and initiates retrieval of actual instances of the object. The class hierarchies are maintained in plug-in type Object Providers. Newly developed network technologies are managed via managed objects defined by class hierarchies held by the Object providers. The Object Provider can be seamlessly installed in an existing extensible network management platform.

Abstract: An architecture for a management information system includes a backend that services information requests from a front end. The backend retrieves data from management information base(s) (MIBs) and prepares a response to the information requests. The backend maintains a cache of data recently retrieved from the MIBs and uses the cache to retrieve data, instead of making additional requests to the MIBs. The responses may be prepared from cache data only, MIB data only, or a combination of both. The back end is preferably maintained on a same segment of a network as the MIBs. Multiple MIBs may be queried from the back end, and the backend may coordinate with back ends on other segments of the network.

Abstract: The invention relates to graphical user interfaces for managing electronic networks, such computer networks, storage area networks (SANs), and the like. Specifically, the invention provides a simplified means of managing large numbers of parameters associated with devices in such networks. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a method of displaying devices forming a network. In a first step, a computer system associated with a graphical user interface queries the network to determine what devices are present in the network, and the interconnections of such devices. The results of this determination are stored, as is the time of this determination. Later, a second query is performed and the results are compared to the first query. Symbols representing elements of the network are displayed on the graphical user interface.