Abstract: An apparatus and method for managing and maintaining a network device are disclosed. A process performed by a router, for example, is able to generate configuration data in accordance with network configuration of the router and store the data in a memory. A converter generates human-readable representation of requested status in accordance with configuration data. For example, command line interface (“CLI”) show output is generated by the converter for displaying system status. In one embodiment, a second converter is used to convert the configuration data to markup language configuration output such as extensible markup language (“XML”) based CLI output. A script, in one aspect, is able to run test cases to verify network configuration in light of the markup language configuration output.

Abstract: A process or method for embedding diagnostic information in a Simple Network Management Protocol (“SNMP”) response during an occurrence of provisioning error is disclosed. A network element (“NE”), in one embodiment, is able to detect an operation failure while performing a GET or a SET request from a network manager. If the enhanced diagnostic code notification is registered between the NE and manager, the NE composes a response message such as GET-RESPONSE to include a standard error code as well as an enhanced diagnostic code. The enhanced diagnostic code includes diagnostic information associated with the operation failure. After transmitting the response to the network manager, the enhanced diagnostic code is subsequently decoded in accordance with enhanced diagnostic information stored in a network manager database.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transferring information in bulk between network devices employing File Transfer Protocol (“FTP”) are disclosed. During a network discovery process, an Element Management System (“EMS”) initiates a file generation command formatted with Simple Network Management Protocol (“SNMP”) to one or more network element (“NE”). After obtaining configuration information from one or more network devices, an NE, in one embodiment, establishes a file containing the configuration information and subsequently stores the file in a storage location. The file formatted in SNMP format is forwarded to EMS suing FTP/SFTP (secure file transfer protocol)/TFTP (trivial file transport protocol).

Abstract: A method for reporting events relating to objects of a network element manageable by a network management device, using a network management protocol, and devices, a network, and computer-readable storage medium storing control logic, that operate in accordance with the method. Events for each object are detected, event information is generated for detected events, generated event information for multiple events is packaged into a trap message for each object type, the trap message is communicated from the network element to the network management device, and the event information from the communicated trap message is unpacked at the network management device. In this manner, network congestion and processor overload at the network management device can be reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving efficiency of data transfer utilizing packet resizing to optimize network management traffic are disclosed. After obtaining a maximum link capacity of a link which is capable of transmitting information, a process of dynamic packet resizing compares the maximum link capacity with a network management system (“NMS”) maximum packet size. The outbound packet size of a network element (“NE”) is set to the maximum link capacity if the maximum link capacity of the link is smaller than the NMS maximum packet size.

Abstract: Standard SNMP error reporting between a network element and a management system utilizes a set of standard error codes that provide limited information about a fault condition. Example embodiments of the invention provide reporting of an extended error code that provides information for locating the source of a fault condition and for debugging the fault condition. In response to a first request, the extended error code can be reported to a management system. In response to a request following the extended error code, meanings associated with the extended error code are reported to a management system, thereby informing a network administrator of the fault condition.

Abstract: A method for reporting events relating to objects of a network element manageable by a network management device, using a network management protocol, and devices, a network, and computer-readable storage medium storing control logic, that operate in accordance with the method. Events for each object are detected, event information is generated for detected events, generated event information for multiple events is packaged into a trap message for each object type, the trap message is communicated from the network element to the network management device, and the event information from the communicated trap message is unpacked at the network management device. In this manner, network congestion and processor overload at the network management device can be reduced.