Automated configuration of internet-like computer networks

摘要

A system and corresponding method of its operation, for configuring a communication network of multiple interconnected computers. The system includes a graphical user interface (36) that facilitates the functions of task organization development (38), platform equipment development (40), address book development (60) and logical network development (42) in a simulated planning phase of operation (30). Using the system, an authorized user performs these development functions to define one or more logical communication networks, and then the system automatically generates specifications for a corresponding physical communication network (44), including management information blocks (74). In a dissemination phase of operation (32), the management information blocks are transmitted (50) to the network computers. In an execution phase of operation (34), the received management information blocks are used to condition (52) the network computers to switch to the new configuration upon receipt of a timing or command signal, when the computers all switch to a new configuration (54) at the same time.