METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANAGING A COMPUTER NETWORK

摘要

A computer-implemented method of managing a computer network including a plurality of devices is provided, wherein a plurality of network management tasks are performable upon the devices. Data is gathered about a present configuration of the network, including the types of devices in the network, the quantity of each type of device present in the network, the relationships between the devices, and the tasks performable upon each of the devices. The data is then stored in a database representing a network map. A display is generated corresponding to the network map using the data in the database. The display shows an association of the devices with the tasks performable on the devices using bitmap representations of the devices and tasks. The display may include hierarchical, schematic, or geographical representations of the devices on the network. The devices are organized into a plurality of groups. In response to a user input selecting a device or group, the tasks performable by that device or group are identified on the display. A user may initiate any one of the displayed tasks by applying a user input selecting that task.