Extensible network management system

Abstract

In a network management system, a method and apparatus for preparing a computer program for execution in relation to a particular network device among a plurality of network devices having a plurality of device types is provided. Each network device is associated with a device type value, and each network device has an associated device mapper. The device mappers are stored in a hierarchical structure that reflects a functional relationship or family relationship of the devices. Functions to be carried out by one or more devices are expressed as a plurality of executable program components. Preferably, each executable program component has one or more classes that define executable functions. Each device mapper associates a device type value with one or more overridden classes in the executable program components and one or more overriding classes. At runtime, device type values are acquired for each device in the managed network. For each device type, one or more functions are assembled using only the executable program components associated with that device type. Based on the device mapper of that device type, classes in the executable program components are overridden and the overriding classes are substituted. As a result, at runtime the network management system integrates into itself executable program components for new devices.