Method of isolating and diagnosing problems in data communication networks

The present method of isolating and diagnosing problems in a data communication network simplifies the process greatly by permitting a system control operator (1) or control application program to issue generic, non-device-specific problem isolation, control or diagnostic commands (2) to the communication network (5) by identifying the link and target node (7) for which problem isolation and diagnosis is required. The non-device-specific commands are received first at an intermediate translation facility (3) which retrieves communication link physical configuration data (4) and identifies the physical components and characteristics thereof that make up that communication link to the identified target node (7). The translation facility (3) then issues one or more device-specific problem determination commands on the communication link directed toward said node. It receives one or more device-specific responses from one or more physical devices in the communication link and, responsive thereto, either issues further device-specific commands on the communication link to complete the diagnosis or issues generic, non-device-specific problem identification results as responses to the initial request.