Proxy architectures for hierarchical scripting frameworks and interoperability of management models

In network management frameworks, a proxy can function as an Intermediate Manager, or an Application Gateway. An Intermediate Manager (IM) provides value-added services, like scripting and delegation, to enhance an existing management framework; an Application Gateway can provide interoperability between dissimilar management models. The work presented in this dissertation consists of two parts: The first part proposes an Intermediate Manager-based scalable, hierarchical scripting framework as a solution to the need for scalable management frameworks; the second part proposes an Application Gateway-based interoperable solution between two different standard management models.;The Spreadsheet-based Hierarchical Architecture for MANagement (SHAMAN) is a scalable, hierarchical, scripting framework that uses a novel spreadsheet paradigm for network management. This paradigm, based on the well known concept of a spreadsheet, views a management task as a collection of subtasks, each of which can be set up in a cell in a spreadsheet. The need for such a framework arises from the fact that existing network management frameworks do not scale well, and increased network sizes necessitate automated management. SHAMAN improves scalability by supporting data aggregation, which reduces both the processing load on the manager, and the traffic flowing towards the manager. Further, SHAMAN augments the standard Internet management framework, permits the delegation of management tasks, and dynamic configuration of management information and control. SHAMAN is built around an enhanced IM that comprises three main components: a Management Information Base, a scripting language, and an event model. The requirements for each of these components are examined and a design based on such requirements is proposed. The feasibility of SHAMAN is demonstrated via prototype implementation.;The second part identifies the components of a generic management framework and uses a conceptual approach to characterize interoperability issues that arise from the need for the coexistence of multiple standards. Existing approaches for developing interoperability solutions are studied with a focus on how such solutions address the issues identified. An Application Gateway based interoperability solution between the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) and the Internet management frameworks is proposed that permits seamless management of a network consisting of both OSI and Internet agents.