Self-Forming Network Management Topologies

Method for managing a network management system operating in a computer or telecommunication network, the network comprising at least one network element that is able to communicate in the network through links, wherein network management software is contained and run on the network element, wherein the following steps are performed:

• forming, reforming and/or terminating the topology for each management function or functions that the network element is part of, said step being performed by controlling means included in the network management software;
• and
• registering and sharing information about the topology for each management function or functions that the network element is part of, said steps being performed by register means included in the network management software.

A network element that is able to communicate in a computer or telecommunication network through links, wherein network management software is contained and run on the network element, wherein the network management software comprises:

• controlling means for each management function or functions that the network element is part of, the controlling means being able to form, reform and/or terminate the topology for the management function;
• and
• register means for each management function or functions that the network element is part of, the register means being able to register and share information about the topology for the management function.