The topology manager and the topology agent communicate data and data requests through CMIP services. For flows between CMIP services application programs on different hosts, the requests and responses flow over APPC sessions. The topology agent supplies information about local topology, network topology, and LU data in response to requests from the topology manager.

The topology agent forwards topology and status information upon request to the topology manager. The topology manager can then store this information and graphically display it.

The topology manager works with one or more topology agents to gather topology from the network. Topology agents can be on subarea nodes, APPN nodes, and combined subarea and APPN nodes in the network. Subarea nodes and APPN network nodes provide network and local topology; APPN end nodes provide local topology.

To start monitoring topology, the topology manager sends a request to the agent. The topology agent obtains the requested network or local topology data and sends the data to the topology manager.