Abstract: A cluster console user interface provides a single console control point for a network device cluster comprising a first switch device, a plurality of active routers, one or more standby routers, and a second switch device. Using the cluster console, a network administrator can perform various operations with respect to the cluster as a whole, without knowing identity information for particular network routers serving as active or standby, or for the switch devices.

Abstract: A method of automatically re-provisioning a network element in adaptation to a failure comprises the computer-implemented steps of identifying a network element that has failed; selecting a substitute network element from among a pool of one or more available network elements; receiving connection configuration information from the identified network element; and, based on the connection configuration information, re-configuring the substitute network element and one or more switch devices associated with the identified network element, wherein the re-configuring causes the one or more switch devices to change one or more connections from the identified network element to the substitute network element.

Abstract: A system and an apparatus are disclosed for carrying out automatic network device provisioning and configuration. A configuration service receives a request from a network device to provide configuration information. The configuration service retrieves a template describing the device configuration, where the template associates one symbolic reference to one parameter that may receive values specific to particular devices. Based at least on the symbolic reference and the request, the configuration service retrieves a value of the parameter that is specific to the network device. A device-specific instance of the configuration information is created and stored based at least one the template and the value of the parameter. The configuration information is stored in XML format and conforms to an XML DTD.

Abstract: A method of detecting alterations in the design of a software system over the development and maintenance life cycle of the software system is disclosed. A baseline model of the software system is generated. A current model of the software system is also generated. The current model is automatically compared with the baseline model, and any alteration in the design of the software system is identified.

Abstract: A system and an apparatus are disclosed for carrying out automatic network device provisioning and configuration. A configuration service receives a request from a network device to provide configuration information. The configuration service retrieves a template describing the device configuration, where the template associates one symbolic reference to one parameter that may receive values specific to particular devices. Based at least on the symbolic reference and the request, the configuration service retrieves a value of the parameter that is specific to the network device. A device-specific instance of the configuration information is created and stored based at least one the template and the value of the parameter. The configuration information is stored in XML format and conforms to an XML DTD.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for carrying out network device provisioning and configuration, and communication of other information to a network device, automatically and in an assured manner. A configuration service receives a request from a network device to provide configuration information. The configuration service retrieves a template representing the configuration from a storage location, e.g., a directory service. The configuration service also retrieves one or more parameter values specific to the device. Device-specific values are instantiated for the generic parameters in the template, based on the retrieved values. The resulting configuration is stored in XML format using XML tags to delimit configuration commands, tested for well-formed-ness, and syntax checked. A reliable transport protocol carries the configuration information to the device. At the device, a configuration agent syntax checks the embedded configuration information, and then applies the configuration information to the device.