Patent ID: 8050268
Filing Date: 2011-11-01
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for routing network management messages over a network between components of a network management system that monitors performance of the network, the method comprising: assigning management addresses to components of the network management system, including a management controller and a plurality of network management devices located at a plurality of sites, the management addresses being distinct from customer addresses associated with equipment located at the plurality of sites; sending a network management message from the management controller to a gateway network management device, the network management message including a management address of a remote network management device; and sending an encapsulated network management message from the gateway network management device to the remote network management device, the encapsulated network management message containing the network management message and a customer address associated with equipment co-located with the remote network management device, the customer address being used to route the encapsulated network management message through the network, wherein the remote network management device is located in a path between the network and the co-located equipment whose customer address is used to route the encapsulated network management message through the network, and wherein the remote network management device intercepts the encapsulated network management message without the encapsulated network management message reaching the co-located equipment whose customer address is used to route the encapsulated network management message.