Network management system for enabling a user to configure a network of

Abstract

A network configuration program assists a user in planning the configuration of devices in an information processing network. Preferably, a planning function is part of a storage management program for managing a network of storage devices. After specifying a set of hardware to be configured, the storage management program presents a graphical display representing available hardware. The user performs sequential configuration steps by selecting represented devices with a pointer, and designating ports or other information as required. For example, where connections between two devices are being specified, the user selects a first device with the pointer, drags a line to a second device, and selects the second device to indicate the connection. Because a typical network must satisfy numerous constraints, which are difficult for the user to keep in mind, the storage management program determines, from among the available devices, which ones can be connected to a selected device without violating any of the network constraints. These connectable devices are then highlighted on the graphical display so that the user can visually interpret the valious configuration options available at that stage. The display is updated at each configuration step, to reflect the cumulative steps completed at that point in the overall configuration task. Updating the display also reflects the available choices for the next configuration step. In this manner, a user without extensive knowledge of system and device constraints is guided through the configuration process.