A network system uses a management routing instance to route management information between elements involved in management of the system. The system registers each element in the management routing instance when the element comes on line. Based on the management routing instance, the system creates management forwarding tables. The system then uses the management forwarding tables to route management information between the elements. Multiple systems, for example systems connected by a network, may exchange management routing instance information to allow elements in different systems to communicate management information with each other.