a computer - implemented method and apparatus includes displaying a plurality of network devices on a display screen , and enabling selection of one of the network devices for configuration . a configuration script for the selected one of the network devices is identified from a plurality of configuration scripts , where each of the configuration scripts is associated with a particular one of the network devices . the identified configuration script is executed to obtain configuration information , identify connection rules associated with the identified configuration script , and produce a configuration file for configuring the network device based on the connection rules and the configuration information .