Abstract: A method for discovering MPLS VPN links includes receiving a plurality of virtual route forwarding (VRF) identification messages generated by respective VRF entities at a logical parent Multi-Protocol Border Gateway Protocol instance resident within a virtual network element in a network management system, aggregating in the logical parent Multi-Protocol Border Gateway Protocol instance the plurality of VRF identification messages into a single Multi-Protocol Border Gateway Protocol message encapsulating the plurality of VRF identification messages, and sending the single Multi-Protocol Border Gateway Protocol message encapsulating the plurality of VRF identification messages to a neighbor parent Multi-Protocol Border Gateway Protocol instance.

Abstract: A method and an application-building tool for creating and customizing a network management application in a network defined by a plurality of network elements are provided. The customization of the network management application includes providing a customized definition file Further, the customized definition file is associated with the network management application at run time. Thereafter, the network management application is executed within a framework.

Abstract: A processor shelf controller monitors processor shelf status. On shutdown or reset request either initiated by a central controller or the processor shelf, the processor shelf controller provides at least a first timer that allows the operating processor shelf sufficient time to shutdown operating system processes. For graceful shutdowns, a second timer is provided to allow the operating processor shelf to clear all application related processes prior to start of the first timer.