SE508573C3 - Generic information model for configuring, controlling and managing help resources in a telecommunications network - Google Patents

Description

508 575 2 mentor hardware devices in the telecommunications network, the management of the auxiliary resources must be changed. This requires a lot of work associated with redefining the existing interfaces and rewriting the code for the redefined interfaces.

A network operator operates networks. The network operator can, but does not have to, own the network he operates. Operating a network refers to traffic monitoring, traffic control, fault detection, fault repair, billing and many other tasks, all of which aim to provide the network's customers, ie the subscribers, with connections that are set up quickly, that are stable and faultless once they are lined up, and which can be quickly dismissed. To help achieve this, the network operator creates network descriptions that give the network operator a management view of the network he operates. The management view can be a graphical representation of the web. The graphical representation shows telephone stations, physical lines between the telephone stations, traffic load on the lines, the state of the various network elements (telephone stations and physical lines), ie whether it is fully operational or has parts in which there are faults, etc. In addition to the graphical representation, the management view can consist of information stored in a database and of printouts of information relating to the network and its subscribers. Using an operation and maintenance system, hereinafter referred to as DOU system, which interacts with network descriptions, the network operator from the DOU system can monitor network traffic, perform corrective operations and, in modern DOU systems, set up cross-connected connections: a type of for a long time permanent connections between vior. Via the DOU system, the network operator can handle network elements in a uniform manner provided by different standards, such as the CCITT X.722 standard. The DOU system cannot be used to set up signaled connections.

A signaled connection is set up by a subscriber by dialing an access unit, for example a telephone. The numbers are signaled, over the access network, to a telephone exchange. In response to the receipt of the digits at the telephone exchange and after a preliminary analysis of the digits, various programs in application 6 start to cooperate with the platform 5 in order to set up the requested connection. The platform shell of operating system functions, called the operating system, should not be confused with a DOU system.

When the connection is set up, network resources will be allocated and sometimes auxiliary resources must also be allocated to ensure a stable connection of high quality.

Future trends in the telecommunications area suggest that a network operator must be able to set up special types of signaled connections, such as so-called semi-permanent connections, virtual leased lines and the like. Today's technology means that the network operator must set up such connections manually by connecting physical entities, such as vior, to specific selector ports. The procedure is time consuming, expensive and has a long lead time from the time a subscriber requests this connection and the time when the connection is actually set up.

The CCITT M.310O standard is a generic information model used to specialize an information model of the transport network, such as an SDH (synchronous digital hierarchy) transport network and the SONET transport network. Compare the CCITT G.774 standard which is a specialization of the CCITT M.3100 standard. It is also used to establish cross-connections, to terminate transport links and for incorrect handling in a transport network. The transport network is the local network between telephone exchanges and does not include the access network, which is the network between the subscribers and their respective telephone stations.

The CCITT M.3100 standard describes resources in a transport network as handling objects in the transport network. The resources in the transport network are divided into specific fragments. Examples of management objects are selector structures, links, termination point pools (Tp pools).

Examples of fragments are cross-linking fragments, termination point fragments.

The CCITT M 3100 standard does not contain any handling objects 508 573 termination point pools (Tp pools). Examples of fragments are cross-linking fragments, termination point fragments.

The CCITT M.3100 standard does not contain any management objects for help resources. The reason for this is that it is not assumed that auxiliary resources must be managed in the transport network.

Network elements in the transport network are configured, controlled and managed using the standardized Q3 interface. The Q3 interface is also used to configure networks. The Q3 interface cannot be used for control and management of help resources.

Another disadvantage associated with the management of auxiliary resources relates to the way in which the auxiliary resources are described in the information model of the telecommunication system. The exact location of each individual help resource in the telecommunications network must be known for an application. Specifically hard-coded,; the system platform, the individual locations for each individual help resource. An application that needs to use an auxiliary surf, such as an echo canceller, must address the echo canceller in question. If the addressed echo canceller is already coated, the application must search for another echo canceller.

From a network point of view, therefore, available echo cancellers are not used effectively. Furthermore, it can take a long time before a vacant echo canceller is found. This in turn means that it can be unacceptably long to set the connection in which the echo canceller is needed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION An object of the invention is to provide a generic information model for configuring, controlling and managing auxiliary resources in a telecommunication network from an operation and maintenance system. Yet another object of the invention is to enable a network operator to set up connections, in particular connections which need to use auxiliary resources, from a DOU system using the generic information model, which describes the physical resources of the network in a uniform manner. . Yet another object of the invention is to enable a centralized management of auxiliary resources. All auxiliary resources of one kind are grouped in a pool, independent of the physical locations of the auxiliary resources in the telecommunications network. Yet another object of the invention is to enable a network operator to manage and describe auxiliary resources in a centralized manner. In particular, it must be possible to select an individual auxiliary resource of a predetermined type from a central pool of auxiliary resources of the type mentioned without having to know the physical location of the pool in the telecommunication network.

The above-mentioned objectives are achieved through the use of standardized concepts for cross-connections to create a new generic information model for configuration, control and management of auxiliary resources. The new information model is particularly well suited for use in setting up conventional subscriber-initiated signaled connections that need to use an auxiliary resource.

The new information model describes auxiliary resources, management of auxiliary resources and management of auxiliary resources in terms similar to those used in the CCITT M.310 and CCITT X.722 standards and benefits from the general principles given by these standards. The language that implements the information model is thus familiar to the network operators and they will have no difficulty in providing their existing network descriptions with functions for configuration, control and management of help resources. As far as applicants are aware, this is a new concept. 508 573 An application that needs a help resource of a certain kind orders the help resource. In response to the order, information is returned which indicates where in the network is the pool that contains the requested resource. The pool that contains the requested help resource is then analyzed. If there is a free help resource, it is immediately paid for and connected to the A-connection for which the resource was ordered. An operation or sequence of operations is initiated in the coated help resource.

Finally, the coated help resource is returned to the pool. In this way, available help resources in the pool will be used efficiently and will be occupied without an unacceptably long time delay. In general, the application does not need to know the exact modes of the help resources.

Network operators using the model according to the invention will thus be provided with a tool which considerably shortens the lead times for the introduction of new types of auxiliary resources in their networks.

This is the case because the network operator, who is familiar with and has knowledge of a standardized methodology for creating a customized network description, can use the same methodology to add the new network resources to his existing network description. As far as the applicant is aware, this is a new feature because this work (introducing new types of help resources in a network description) today has to be done by the supplier of the system.

Operation and maintenance applications, which support the establishment and release of signaled connections, are built as a shell around an existing general information model. This makes the information model understandable to the network operator.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a telecom system architecture in accordance with the prior art, Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a modern telecom system architecture in which the principles of the present invention are implemented, Fig. 3 is a block diagram of a selector provided with different types of auxiliary devices, Fig. 4 is an information model of a telecommunication network in accordance with the present invention, Fig. 5 is a block diagram of a simplified physical telecommunication network and of a logical network modeled in accordance with the principles of the invention so that the logical network reflects the physical network, Fig. 6 shows tables illustrating the method used to locate, locate and engage an auxiliary resource in accordance with the invention, Fig. 7 is a block diagram illustrating initiation of an operation or sequence of operations in a coated auxiliary resource by message transmission, Fig. 8 is a block diagram illustrating how the message transmission is stopped, Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing how a coated auxiliary resource is returned to its pool and, Fig. 10 is a flow chart illustrating the operations shown in Figures 6-9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Fig. 2. shows the architecture of a modern telecom system.

The model in accordance with the present invention is based on this architecture which will therefore be described. The telecom system architecture is divided into four main layers, a system component layer 9, a core layer 10, an application platform 11 and an application layer 12.

Examples of applications are POTS, VLL (virtual leased lines), BISDN (broadband ISDN), GSM (global system for mobile communications), each of which contains a set of services offered to an end user; subscriber. Each application contains application-specific parts such as network access methods, network access equipment, subscriber access methods and subscriber equipment.

Examples of network access equipment are switching terminals (ETs), examples of subscriber access equipment are line interface circuits (LICs) for analogue connections and digital line interface circuits (DLICs) for digital connections.

The application layer 11 contains basic functions that can be used by all applications. This architecture reduces the number of functions per application and makes it possible to implement application modularization. It is thus possible to reuse a large part or even all basic functions, both in hardware and software, for ISDN, GSM, POTS and for future applications. Examples of basic functions available in the application platform warehouse are analysis functions for numbering and routing as described in our PCT application WO SE 95/01026, billing functions for taxation, data collection: storage, connection management functions for ordering "different types of connections, which are ordered of the various applications, as well as signaling functions, such as system no. for common channel signaling and DTMF signaling (two tones, several frequencies) The layer 10 with the system core contains the operating system for the communication processors used in the telecom system. supports various functions for execution, communication, data storage and operation and maintenance (DOU) Furthermore, the layer 10 with the system core consists of a number of control and data transport functions that are reused by different applications. long period of time, while on the other hand processors can be replaced in step with the technology development.

The layer 9 with system components consists of the telecom system's hardware such as processors and selector equipment. The different LH CD CO (H \ J CN 9 14 and. A fundamental interface is a collective concept. A layers 9-12 are separated by fundamental interfaces 13, fundamental interface consists of a collection of individual interfaces.

In telecommunication systems, a distinction is made between transport networks and switching networks. A transport network is the infrastructure that offers transport capacity for data. Today's transport network does not offer any services. A typical example of a transport network is SDH (synchronous digital hierarchy) network.

Recently, some network operators have begun to show interest in a transport network that offers services. If such services are implemented in an existing transport network, it would probably provide management, such as occupancy and release of auxiliary resources. Such handling would then be operator dependent.

It is in this context that the present invention comes in smoothly since an operator is familiar with the model of the invention; the model is namely similar to the standardized model that the operator uses for conventional operation and maintenance of its network. Such conventional operation and maintenance activities include notifying the Operator of faults occurring in the selector equipment, configuring logical sub-networks, and reconfiguring existing networks in connection with expansion and shrinkage of the existing physical network.

A switched network, also called a service network, is a network that receives connection orders from its subscribers. The model of the present invention is used in a switched network to manage, coat and release auxiliary resources.

As far as applicants are aware, it is a new concept that one and the same model can be used both for switched networks and for transport networks. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a selector 16, two selector terminals (ETs) 17, 18, a central processor 19 and auxiliary devices 20, 21, 22. Each selector terminal is connected to the selector 16 and a respective external line 23 and 23, respectively. 24. By way of example, the auxiliary device 21 is an echo canceller, the auxiliary device 22 a conference equipment and the auxiliary device 23 a voice message equipment. The units shown in Fig. 3 are an example of a typical physical configuration. It should be noted that the auxiliary devices 20, 21 and 22 are shown to be physically connected to the selector.

In order to make the implementation aspects of the auxiliary devices as simple as possible, an abstract model of auxiliary devices is proposed. The abstract model, which is based on the management objects TP-Pool (termination point pool), CTP (connection termination point), selector structure and management elements which are all described in CCITT M.3l0O under generic network information model, is laid out and has the appearance that v Fig. 4 Fig. 4.

The abstract model in Fig. 4 is described in terms of object classes using the terminology and the definitions CCITT X.722 recommends. The model consists of a network object class, a management element object class 26, a selector structure object class 27, a help resource analysis object class 28, a help resource pool object class 29, and a help resource CTP object class (CTP being defined in the previous paragraph). An object class is an aggregate of named data elements and a variety of operations so designed that they can manipulate said data. One can imagine an object class as a template which is used to create individual objects. The network object class 25 is an object class that represents an abstraction of a telecommunication network. The handling element object class 26 is an abstraction of a physical location where there is a selector in the telecommunication network, for example the location in the network of the selector shown in Fig. 3. The selector structure object class 27 is an abstraction of a selector, for example the selector 16 in Fig. 3. Auxiliary resource analysis 10 (71 CD 0O) (fl <1 'N ll object class 28 is used to support centralized management of auxiliary resources in the telecommunication network). The auxiliary resource pool object class 29 is an abstract object class used only for inheritance, it contains one or more auxiliary device CTPs and it represents a specific type of auxiliary device. is used only for inheritance. It represents auxiliary devices and contains information regarding them.

The auxiliary resource analysis object class 28 and the auxiliary resource pool object class 29 are independent of the physical platform 5.

The auxiliary resource pool object class 29 is independent of the physical realization of the auxiliary devices and consists of the auxiliary device identity as well as of the logical address in a non-display memory in which the data concerning the auxiliary device are stored. The Auxiliary Resource CTP object class 30 consists of specific information of an identified auxiliary resource and is used to operate on identified auxiliary devices.

Fig. 5 shows a physical layer 31 and a logical layer 32. The resources of the physical layer, such as selectors, trunk lines, links, time slots in links, auxiliary devices, are shared between a number of logical networks. Each logical network is operated by one operator. There may be different operators for different logical networks. A logical network is an image of the parts of the physical network that are allocated to the individual logical network. 16 and 34 which are connected to each other by physical links 35, 36. The selectors are The physical network comprises three selectors 33, geographically separated. A number of tone transmitters 21 are connected to the selector 16 and together form a first tone transmitter pool 21 '.

Similarly, there is a second tone transmitter pool 37 which consists of tone transmitters which are connected to the selector 34. A and B 508 575 12 denote subscribers who each have a telephone.

The logic network 32 comprises a network object 25, a handling element object 26 which handles selector structures 38, 39, 40. A selector structure is a logical abstraction of a selector; the selector structure 38 is an image of the selector 33, the selector structure 39 is an image of the selector 16 and the selector structure 40 is an image of the selector 34. Termination point pools 41, 42 (TP pools) are the logical abstraction of the link 35 and they connect the selector structures 38 and 39 with each other. Similarly, TP pools 43, 44, which represent a link 36, connect the selector structure 39 to the selector structure 40. Auxiliary resource pool objects 45, 46 (HR pool) are logical abstractions of tone transmitter pools 21 'and 37, respectively. objects 45, 46 correspond to the auxiliary resource pool object 29 in Fig. 4. The auxiliary resource CTP objects 47, 48 represent termination points for the tone transmitter pools 21 and 37, respectively.

The auxiliary resource CTP object 47 has a relation to its auxiliary resource pool object 45. Similarly, the auxiliary resource CTP object 47 has a relation to its auxiliary resource pool object 46. The pool object 45 has a relation to the selector structure 39 and the pool object 46 has a relation to the selector structure 40. Each selector structure 38, 39 and 40 each has a relation to handling elements 26. Each auxiliary resource CTP object 47 and 48 has a respective relation to each handling object 26. The handling object 26 has a relation to the network object 25. The auxiliary resource analysis object 28 has a relation to the handling element 26.

The logic network 32 is configured by an operator (not shown) using an operation and maintenance system 50 (DOU) for this purpose.

This operation and maintenance system 50 is used for conventional operation and maintenance and in accordance with the present invention has been extended with a generic information model in accordance with CCITT M.3100 to which auxiliary resource fragments 45, 46, 47 and 48 have been added. As described above, the generic information model CCITT M.3100 is conventionally used for setting up fixed connections between selector structures in the transport network.

With the present invention, it is now possible for a network operator to configure auxiliary resource objects in the auxiliary resource fragment by entering information about the auxiliary resources in the auxiliary resource objects. An application can then use the auxiliary resource objects in program execution. For example, an application may request that an auxiliary resource be connected to a connection that the application sets up in the transport network. This is in contrast to what happens with today's technology. According to current technology, help resources, which are used by an application, are hard-coded in the application software. If new resource devices, which are for example manufactured with the help of new technology, are to replace the existing auxiliary devices, the application software must be recoded. Such transcoding is very labor intensive and requires detailed knowledge of the system on which the application runs. In addition, the transcoding is very time consuming. With the present invention, today's intimate connection between the application and the auxiliary resources in the application software can be resolved. If existing help resources are to be replaced, this will not turn on the application software. Only the help resource objects need to be changed. Additional advantage of the invention makes it possible to install in the transport network new types of, currently unknown, auxiliary resources: devices using the auxiliary resource fragment in accordance with the present invention. Such new types of resources can then be connected to operator-established connections.

An example of setting up a signaled connection between subscribers A and B will be described with reference to Figs. 6, 7 and 8. Assume that subscriber A wishes to talk to subscriber B. Subscriber A picks up the handset. This action is detected in a line interface circuit in selector 33. Subscriber A waits for a ringtone in the handset before starting to dial Bzs now. A tone transmitter must now be connected to Az's line. There is no tone transmitter in selector 33 and therefore software in the application, in this case POTS, orders the connection of a tone transmitter to A;'s line. The software that places this order is shown schematically at 51 in Fig. 6. The order together with the identity of the selector 508 575 14 from which the call originates is sent to the auxiliary resource analysis object 28. The auxiliary resource analysis object 28 typically comprises a table consisting of a number input items each corresponding to the individual identities of the voter structures from which the calls originate and in which there are no tone transmitters. Each input item is associated with data that points out, for each possible destination selector, the tone transmitter pool to be used for the one in the destination selector in question. Tone transmitter pools, intended to be used as alternative ones, may also be associated with the respective input items. In the example described, the auxiliary resource pool 45 (designated P1 in the table), located in the selector structure 39 (designated F1 in the table), is to be used as the first alternative. If all tone transmitters in this pool P1 are coated, then as an alternative, the auxiliary resource pool 37 (designated P2 in the table) in the selector structure 40 (designated F3 in the table) shall be used.

It should be noted that all tone transmitter pools 21 ', 37 in the logic network have been grouped together in the central auxiliary resource analysis object class 28. This auxiliary resource analysis object class 28 will thus be independent of the physical realization of the telecommunication network.

The auxiliary resource object 28 sends the two alternatives to the application software 51 as indicated by the arrow 53. For the sake of clarity, the abbreviations for the input and output data indicated in the drawing in the auxiliary resource analysis object 28 refer to corresponding abbreviations used for the objects in the symbols in Fig. 5.

Thus, the software will find out where in the network a tone transmitter can be found. The software will then coat a tone transmitter. To do this, the software sends an occupancy order, represented by the arrow 54, to the auxiliary resource pool object 29, which has a free list of available tone transmitters. In the example, it is assumed that there is a free tone transmitter and this will now be occupied by the software 51. When the tone transmitter has been coated, it will be deleted from the free list with auxiliary resource pool object 29. In the free list, each tone transmitter in the pool has a device identity with associated termination point.

In general, a termination point is a logical address of an auxiliary device. There is a relationship between the logical address and the point in the physical network where the auxiliary device is connected. In the case where the auxiliary device is a transmitter, the logical address has a relation to a physical selector port. Once a tone transmitter has been coated, this is reported to the software S1 together with the termination point for the coated tone transmitter. This reporting is symbolically displayed with arrow 55.

Finally, the application software 51 commands the establishment of a connection between the termination point 56 of the subscriber A, which is retrieved from the subscriber data of the subscriber A, and the connection termination point 59 of the coated tone transmitter. contains the individual identities of the tone transmitters and their associated connection termination points CTP. The order to set up this connection is symbolized by the arrow 57 and v -: - is placed by separate software 58. A connection has now been e: a: .- rats between the termination points 56 and 59 in Fig. 6. This connection is marked with a dashed line. Thereafter, the tone transmitter will send a ringtone to the subscriber A, who is then informed that numbering of the B-number can begin.

Then the application software S1 will set up a connection to the selector 34, i.e. the selector to which B is connected. Subscriber B can either be busy or not answer or have the call forwarding service activated. If B is busy, the application software instructs the tone transmitter to send busy tones to subscriber A. If B does not answer the call, the tone transmitter should send ringtones to A at regular intervals.

If B has the call forwarding service activated, the application software must, for example, request that a voicemail device give a message to subscriber A, which message, for example, "please wait, the call can be switched". described above to be run through with the difference that it now concerns a pool with voice answering equipment.

Generally, an auxiliary device is operated by sending messages to the auxiliary device. Such messages are generated either by the application software 51 or by specific software.

In Fig. 7, the application software 51 sends a start message to the above-mentioned coated tone transmitter by forwarding this message to the auxiliary resource CTP object 30 for the coated resource. This message is represented by arrow 60. The tone transmitter confirms the receipt of the message, arrow 61. It should be noted that the auxiliary resource CTP object is independent of the physical implementation of the auxiliary device, in this case the tone transmitter.

When an auxiliary resource is to be stopped, the application software 51 prepares a stop message and sends it to the auxiliary resource CTP object of the coated resource, in this fa; tone transmitter. When the tone transmitter has finished its work, a stop message 63 is sent to the application software. This procedure is shown in Fig. 8.

The procedure used to disconnect a coated resource is shown in Fig. 9. In the example described above, it is assumed that subscriber B picks up the handset in response to receiving the ring signals.

Subscribers A and B talk to each other and the coated tone transmitter will now be returned to the pool 21 'so that it can be used by other calls. The call between subscribers A and B is still ongoing. The application software 51 sends a disconnect order to the auxiliary resource CTP object 30 and the connection between the termination points 58 and 59 is broken. The disconnection order is displayed at arrow 64 and a confirmation 65 of the disconnection is sent back to the application software 51.

Thereafter, the application software 51 returns the coated tone transmitter to the pool 21 'by sending a corresponding order to the auxiliary resource pool object 29. In response to this order, the coated tone transmitter is re-entered into the free list 29 of available auxiliary resources. A confirmation that the previously coated help resource has been returned is sent to the application software 51, as marked by the arrow 67.

Fig. 9 is a simplified block diagram showing the software and objects involved in setting up a connection that requires a tone transmitter. For this reason, only the objects that handle tone transmitters have been shown. For example, if a connection would require the use of a conference equipment, then there is an auxiliary resource analysis object class 28 'which contains all pools of conference equipment, a yacht class 29' and a auxiliary resource CTP object class 30 which contains an auxiliary resource pool object. contains a vacancy list with the conference equipment termination points for the conference equipment.

Fig. 10 describes the above-mentioned process steps in the form of a flow chart showing the various objects participating in the formation exchange required to find an auxiliary resource 1, occupy an individual auxiliary resource, operate the coated auxiliary resource, and Finally, return the used resource to your pool. Although only one operation has been described, i.e. tone transmission, an auxiliary resource device can perform many different procedures, such as the delivery of various voice message messages.

TABLE 1 below shows an example of a help resource object class written in the C ++ programming language.

The invention described above can be modified and varied within the scope of the appended claims. 508 573 18 TABLE l {class Aux Analyze attribute l ID attribute 2 State list Aux Pool ID ID_l ID_2 Method action Aus Pool get Aux Pool set configuration of list of pool IDs create instance delete instance notification} Comment:; the name of the object class ; type of device; condition of for the class (open / locked); list of HR-pool ID; identifies different pools; triggers search of HR-pool; is done for each attribute; creates an instance of class ..; instance of the class

Claims (2)

5Û8 575 Patent claim / 9 A generic information model for configuring, controlling and managing auxiliary resources in a telecommunication network, which information model comprises a hierarchical structure of object classes, each object class comprising named data elements and a set of operations intended to manipulate said data, which hierarchical structure, calculated from top to bottom , includes: a network object class (25), a management element object class (26) having a relation to the network object class, and a selector structure object class (27) having a relation to the management element object class, which network object class (25) represents an abstraction of the telecommunication network and comprises a telecommunication network identity, which handling element object class (26) describes the physical position of selector structures (38, 40, 48) in the telecommunication network, which selector structure object class ( 27) describes physical selectors used for connection in the telecommunication network and devices connected to the individual selectors, characterized in that the information model is used for a switched telecommunication network and that it further comprises an auxiliary resource pool object class (29) and an auxiliary resource connection terminal point object class (30) for managing auxiliary resources in the switched telecommunication network, which auxiliary resource pool object class: (a) has a relation to the selector structure object class (27), (b) comprises identities of individual auxiliary resource devices and (c) contains connection termination points for said auxiliary resource devices, which auxiliary resource connection object termination point a) has a relation to the handling element object class, (b) contains information regarding identified auxiliary resource devices and (c) operates on identified auxiliary resource devices. A generic information model according to claim 1, characterized by an auxiliary resource analysis object class (28) which includes information describing the locations in the telecommunication network where there are pools (21, 37) of auxiliary resource devices. and which has a relation to the network object class (25) for allowing centralized management of auxiliary resources in the telecommunication network.