Abstract: A method for managing a communications network comprising a plurality of nodes by representing the network as a plurality of areas comprising respective portions of the plurality of nodes, each of the areas coupled to at least one other area via a bridge comprising at least one communications link the representations used to provide imagery for a graphical user interface (GUI).

Abstract: A method for managing a communications network comprising a plurality of nodes by representing the network as a plurality of areas comprising respective portions of the plurality of nodes, each of the areas coupled to at least one other area via a bridge comprising at least one communications link the representations used to provide imagery for a graphical user interface (GUI).

Abstract: A multiple node telecommunication system path identification technique enabling expedited path testing and/or monitoring, and providing rapid confirmation upon completion of a successful testing and/or monitoring function. The technique eliminates erroneous system alarms arising from a properly transmitted PID arriving at a given node prior to the receipt at that node of the correct PID from a system controller. This is accomplished by employing a memory at each system node capable of storing the most recent PID sent to the node by the system controller, the previous PID sent to the node by the system controller, and the PID received from another system node, or from a transmitter linked to a system transmission path. Each of the nodes within the telecommunication system facilitating the technique is further adapted to accept a PID received via a transmission path without triggering an alarm, if that received PID matches either the most recent or previous PIDs received from the system controller.