# Board identification changes

Previously, the board number was the only way of identifying a board in software. This number was assigned in the AG configuration file. With the NMS OAM service, boards are also identified by board names. The board name for a board is assigned when the record for the board is first created in the NMS OAM database. You can specify the name of a board in the system configuration file you supply to oamsys. Refer to Creating a system configuration file.

Names are also used for other types of components, such as extended management components (EMCs), board plug-ins, and the NMS OAM Supervisor itself. Refer to Configuring non-board objects for more information.

Most NMS API software still requires board numbers. Within NMS OAM, boards are still assigned unique board numbers, and you can still use this method to identify them in software. Within the NMS OAM service, you can also identify a board using its location (bus and slot), as well as with other information. Refer to Board identification methods for more information.