Meeting network management challenges: Customization, integration and scalability

Management of modern telecommunications networks requires the network management system (NMS) to be customizable, scalable and present an integrated view of the network. To meet these requirements, a hierarchical design for a distributed NMS supporting programmable interfaces is proposed. The architecture is based on the use of management devices fulfilling four distinct roles, i.e., network element, mediator, subnet manager, and enterprise manager. In support of the architecture, a flexible design for an NMS platform, a layered set of modules which may be deployed to support devices operating in the various roles, is presented. Several examples which illustrate the applications and advantages of the proposed architecture are given. The authors´ progress in realizing a distributed NMS for large and global networks using the architectures and concepts described is reported