Abstract: The present invention is a converter for abstracting network devices away from manufacturer specific syntax and/or semantic capabilities by making the network devices configuration independent trough syntax and/or semantic conversion. An application program interface converts between input options and output options. The converter allows the user to choose from any input module to program end devices. The converter may function as a point and click option, a command line interface or any other interface. The present invention allows for the choice of output module based on requirements of a target network device.

Abstract: A method of configuring a router includes storing in a memory of the router an address associated with the router and a domain name associated with a server. The method also includes connecting the router to the network and communicating the address from the router to the server over the network, wherein the server is located on the network using the domain name. The method further includes receiving a configuration script from the server and configuring the router in response to receiving the configuration script.

Abstract: A method of forming an application group includes selecting a plurality of applications to be associated with an identifier and determining at least one rule associated with the identifier. The rule is operable to define at least one operation of a network device that is conducted in response to the network device receiving data associated with one of the plurality of applications.

Abstract: A method of modifying a current version of a configuration of a router includes receiving a modified version of the configuration, loading the modified version of the configuration into memory, and operating the router using the modified version of the router, without rebooting the router.