Abstract: Systems and methods for normalization of physical interfaces having different physical attributes are provided. According to one embodiment, information regarding multiple network devices is presented to a network manager. The network devices have one or more different physical attributes. Two physical attributes of two network devices that are to be normalized and that are among the one or more different physical attributes are identified. The physical attributes are normalized by creating a virtual attributes to which both correspond. A policy applicable to the virtual attribute is received. Configuration files, in which policies or rules contained therein are implemented in terms of the virtual attribute, are created for the network devices while they are offline. Physical attribute configurations for the physical attributes are resolved during installation of the network devices by resolving references to the virtual attribute in the configuration files into the respective physical attributes.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a methodology for provisioning and managing a network having many network devices. In certain embodiments, groups of member devices are created each having a group policy configuration inherited by member devices. A variety of rules regarding prioritization, versioning, system snapshot, redo and undo are also taught. This embodiment is useful when the network devices can be partitioned into groups of similar type devices for similar applications. Similar physical attributes can also be mapped into identical virtual attributes, enabling policy configurations to be applied to varying devices and physical attribute configurations can be resolved upon device installation.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a methodology for provisioning and managing a network having many network devices. In certain embodiments, groups of member devices are created each having a group policy configuration inherited by member devices. A variety of rules regarding prioritization, versioning, system snapshot, redo and undo are also taught. This embodiment is useful when the network devices can be partitioned into groups of similar type devices for similar applications. Similar physical attributes can also be mappend into identical virtual attributes, enabling policy configurations to be applied to varying devices and physical attribute configurations can be resolved upon device installation.