Network architecture for SDH transmission networks

In order to develop the new generation of network management and control systems it is necessary to understand in more depth the underlying architectural features of what is now a very complex network situation. The network must be modelled from a number of different perspectives to reveal the underlying structures which are obscured by the high degree of functional integration supported by the synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH). A functional model is described which has been developed to describe the SDH network but is believed to be generally applicable to other network domains. This in turn leads to an information model which appears to suggest a solution to the essential network management paradox of reconciling logical integration with physical and logical diversity