Network Management

In a perfect world, network managers would have a unified set of tools with a common interface to help analyze and predict network problems so that remedial action could be taken in a proactive way. Such a system would be user-friendly and intuitive, allowing administrators to use these tools without special training.

 

In reality, network administrators must manage networks consisting of many types of equipment from many vendors, requiring a variety of vendor-specific management solutions in the operations center. Each one implements a different user interface, and in many cases requires a separate, dedicated operating environment. The result is that network management becomes an arduous and complex task for network administrators, and the effectiveness of managing the network is reduced. Identifying possible future network problems is harder and restoring services after a problem occurs takes longer, which can result in higher Opex and lower customer satisfaction and retention.

 

Meeting these challenges calls for an integrated network and system management solution that adheres to international standards and operates in a multi-vendor environment. Such systems would help the network manager supervise, monitor and provision networks varying in size, product and vendor mix. The solution architecture should be a scalable one: affordable for small installations, yet flexible to accommodate the network administrator’s future needs.

ITU-T Telecommunication Management Network (TMN) defines a layered model where each layer is responsible for different management functions, while interfacing with underlying and overlying layers, to provide a complete and comprehensive set of tools (see Figure 2):

• NEL, Network Element Layer, implementing logical entities within a device

• EML, Element Management Layer, implementing device level configuration, fault and performance management functions

• NML, Network Management Layer, implementing path management, topology management and fault isolation

• SML, Service Management Layer, implementing mechanisms to assure service level agreements and maintaining QoS

• BML, Business Management Layer, implementing strategic enterprise management functions, such as budgeting and billing

Network management solutions should conform to the ITU-T Telecommunications Management Network (TMN) recommendations for SNMP management systems, and support the following functions (also known as the FCAPS model):

• Fault management detects and correlates faults in network devices, isolates faults and initiates recovery actions

• Configuration management provides the ability to track changes and configure, install and distribute software across the network for all network devices

• Accounting management provides the capability to collect and parse accounting data to generate network usage reports

• Performance management offers a continuous source from which to monitor network performance (QoS, CoS) and resource allocation

• Security management provides the ability to control the access to network resources

For interfacing between various management layers, common object request broker architecture (CORBA) was adopted by the Telecommunications Management Network framework. CORBA allows for interconnectivity and communication across heterogeneous operating systems and telecommunications networks. CORBA supplies a software interface defining data models to be used between various management layers. CORBA supports multi-vendor distributed network management applications, providing the data interface between clients and servers, and between systems of different vendors and a common upper layer NMS or OSS.

RAD’s network management portfolio implements the first three layers of the TMN model (see Figure 1):

• Network Element Layer: SNMP agents, Telnet and HTTP services within manageable products

• Element Management Layer: Element management systems supporting heterogeneous network management and implementing the FCAPS model

• Network Management Layer: Service center applications capable of provisioning services and circuits in a user-friendly and powerful way, automating configuration tasks and minimizing network downtime

All RAD manageable products feature a built-in SNMP agent, supporting relevant standard MIB and RFC, in addition to a RAD proprietary MIB. The RAD MIB is implemented in accordance with ASN.1 and can be compiled and incorporated into any SNMP platform to allow access to RAD devices via SNMP. In addition, these products include a built-in Telnet server. Some newer products even have an HTTP server, with a user-friendly configuration tool.

Various element management systems are provided for PC and UNIX, as well as for integration with third-party vendors. Different technology modules are available for managing different configurations, from a single console to heterogeneous networks consisting of several RAD products.

 

RADview-PC, a PC-based element management system, provides configuration, fault and performance management. In addition, several network level functions are implemented, such as software download and date/time synchronization.

 

RADview-HPOV, a UNIX-based element management system, provides security, configuration, fault, performance, and accounting management. RADview-HPOV includes extensive network level functions, such as software download, statistics collection for ATM/TDM networks, automatic TFTP-based device configuration download and storage, as well as network level date/time synchronization.

 

RADview-EMS, a multi-platform, Java-based, distributed and scalable element management system, provides secure configuration, fault and performance management capabilities. RADview-EMS includes an open CORBA northbound interface, facilitating integration with third-party NMS or umbrella systems.

RADview-SC/IPV is a centralized telephony, services and network management and provisioning system for RAD VoIP System (RVS) based on robust Oracle database. It enables service providers to view, manage, maintain, and configure customer premises equipment (CPE), softswitch and applications installed in the network, thus reducing integration and operational costs of deploying and maintaining the VoIP network.

 

RADview-SC/Vmux is a powerful management tool for provisioning and monitoring compressed voice services, providing control and monitoring of end-to-end circuits for networks comprising the Vmux product family.

 

RADview-SC/TDMoIP is a powerful management tool for provisioning and monitoring TDM over IP (TDMoIP) services, providing control and monitoring of end-to-end circuits for networks comprised of the IPmux family of products. RADview-SC/TDMoIP includes an open CORBA northbound interface, facilitating integration with third-party NMS or umbrella systems.

 

RADview-SC/TDM is the cornerstone of the RAD family of network management solutions, simplifying service provisioning and end-to-end path management of MAP devices. The system includes automatic optimal path detection and configuration, as well as path protection and re-route upon network resource failure, thus automating network maintenance and minimizing downtime.

 

RADview-SC/TDM includes an open CORBA northbound interface, facilitating integration with third-party NMS or umbrella systems.

 

RADview-SC/TDM includes an SLA (service level agreement) module, for checking that every provisioned service conforms to the SLA promised to the end user.

 

RAD Model Descriptors enable management of selected RAD access products by Alcatel 5620 NMS via its SNMP Descriptor Module (formerly 5520 Element Manager), as well as path management in a multi-vendor environment.