Abstract: For use in a computer network having a plurality of nodes associated therewith, a network management system for maintaining compatibility among the plurality of nodes, comprising 1) polling circuit that retrieves node configuration information from the plurality of nodes, and 2) a comparison circuit that compares selected node configuration information associated with a first selected one of the plurality of nodes with known-good node configuration information to determine a level of compatibility of the selected node with the known-good node configuration.

Abstract: For use in a computer network having a plurality of nodes associated therewith, a data traffic management system for managing data traffic among the plurality of nodes, comprising 1) a polling circuit that retrieves node traffic information from the plurality of nodes; and 2) process logic that compares first selected node traffic information associated with a first selected one of the plurality of nodes with a first threshold level to detect a trend in the first selected node traffic information with respect to the first threshold level.

Abstract: An improved network node includes a network node autonomy portion and a sentinel autonomy portion. The network node autonomy portion can perform the tasks as a conventional network node. Both the autonomy portions contain their respective processors and MIBs. In a proper operational condition, the sentinel autonomy portion copies network management information from the MIB of the network node autonomy portion to the MIB of the sentinel autonomy portion. When faults or failures occur to the network node autonomy portion, the sentinel autonomy portion can still respond to polls from and send traps to a network management station.

Abstract: A modular, hierarchical local area network is realizable by using existing twisted pair wiring, for example, in a building together with several elements known as network access units and hub units. A network access unit is connected to a device (microprocessor, display terminal, peripheral device, other local area network, information systems network or the like) in the local area network to give that device access to and from the network. The network access device is designed for simple daisy chaining with other devices to form a node when devices are colocated in the same section or room in the building. The hub unit is the network building block which permits extensive expansion of the local area network. It provides a connection point for access units or other hub units, performs collision detection operations, if necessary, and serves as a loop-back point for the network.