Template-driven approach for generating models on network services

摘要

A method and system of modeling a selected service within a network environment includes forming a service model template that is not specific to the network environment, but identifies anticipated network elements and network services that cooperate to enable the selected service. The service model template includes specifications related to linking the anticipated network elements and network services. When the service model template is combined with discovered instance information that is specific to actual network elements and actual network services, a service model instance is generated for the selected service. The service model instance includes identifications of dependencies among the elements and services. Preferably, the service model instance also includes identification of the "health" of the different elements and services. A view generator may be used to configure the service model instance as a hierarchical graph of nodes that are linked to identify the dependencies among the nodes. The discovered instance information may be acquired using a discovery template that orchestrates the process. The discovery template may identify auto-discovery modules that are to be used to detect actual network elements and services and may identify dependencies among the modules. A user-configurable discovery engine accesses the discovery template and deploys the modules in order to acquire the discovered instance information.