Method and arrangement for maintaining and updating network element configuration in an xDSL network, and an xDSL network element

A method and arrangements are disclosed for distributing configuration information in an xDSL network that comprises network elements (201, 202, 203, 211) on certain hierarchical levels and a network managing station. There is transmitted a request (302, 401) for configuration information from a first network element located on a first hierarchical level to a second network element located on a second hierarchical level. The second hierarchical level is above the first hierarchical level in the xDSL network, but the second network element is other than the network managing station. The second network element decides (404, 408), whether it is appropriate to read the configuration information requested in the request for configuration information from a configuration memory of the second network element. In case it is decided to be appropriate, the configuration information requested in the request for configuration information is read (406) the from a configuration memory of the second network element and transmitted (407) to the first network element.