As a first step, it is necessary to mark usage of more or less standard multilevel network model, made from
nodes and connections between them. This model enables global network view on highest (or top) level, with drilldown
possibilities toward details “hidden” in lower levels (figure 1). For the purpose of network presentation, it is
allowed to add virtual graphical elements in the model, serving as “containers” for “real” network elements;
“Real” network elements are graphical abstraction of existing network resources, both nodes and connections
between nodes, while “containers” are virtual objects containing real network elements or other containers. In
this paper, the term “network element“ or “object” will refer to “real” network element. Usage of containers
allows creation of any logical network structure (e.g.
network elements organized geographically, by vendor,
by technology or any other criteria). That structure is
tree-like structure, where “leafs” are network elements.
by technology or any other criteria). That structure is
tree-like structure, where “leafs” are network elements.