Web-based configuration management architecture for router networks

As networks grow in size, speed and complexity, the role of network management becomes increasingly important. Network management is the ability to monitor and manage all network elements, ensuring availability, optimal performance, and reliability. A high level of automation in network configuration and management is a critical issue in today´s rapidly growing IP networks. In this paper we describe a Web-based secure configuration management architecture for Internet backbone router networks and discuss on the implementation. A framework for Web-based configuration management is suggested by using secure protocols and a centralized database. It provides a simple and powerful way of configuring backbone router networks, which is accessible from any platform by combining WWW and Java technology. The suggested architecture achieves a high level of security, and reduces complexity in network configuration without adding any functions on the managed entity. Semi-automation of network configuration is accomplished by using pre-defined configuration templates and by intelligent validation of the router networks