Abstract: A communication link manager for problem determination and recovery of a failing resource on a communication link segment in a data communication network. When a problem occurs on a link segment, the using node passes link event data to the communication link manager for analysis. The communication link manager interacts with a configuration data base to determine the physical configuration of the failing link segment and the controlling link connection subsystem manager. The communication link manager directs the appropriate link connection subsystem manager to initiate tests of the various link connection components on the link segment under its control. When the failing resource is identified, the communication link manager initiates the appropriate non-disruptive recovery procedure through the link connection subsystem manager and prompts the data link control to restart the line.

Abstract: Data communications neworks may be composed of many different physical devices linked together in various layers and using various protocols for communication. The multiple physical elements that make up such communication networks or links are often supplied by diverse vendors. As a result, isolation and diagnosis of communication failures becomes an extremely difficult and cumbersome process. The present system and method simplify the process greatly by premitting a system control operator or control application program to issue generic, non-device-specific problem isolation, control or diagnostic commands to the communication neetwork by identifying the link and target node for which problem isolation and diagnosis is required.