Abstract: An improved method for dynamically and centrally managing a network which is being partitioned into Focal Point (FP) nodes and non-FP (NFP) or serviced nodes. Each FP node provides management services to an assigned group of non-FP nodes. The names of the non-FP nodes are maintained in a table called a "sphere of control" (SOC) table at the FP node that services those NFP nodes. As NFP nodes in the SOC table become active, the FP establishes a session with the NFP node and sends it a "Request to be Your FP" message. If the NFP node supports the keys (bit pattern identifying a particular category of management services data) for which authorization is being requested, the NFP node replies positively acknowledging the requestor as its focal point for the specified key. Thereafter, problem messages which are related to the particular type of management services are forwarded to the FP node.