CN1161770A - Network management system for communication networks - Google Patents

Abstract

A network management system (162) for a communications network (163) comprises management function software accessible to one or more workstations (160) and incorporating a data store (161) for management information. The network management system (162) is structured to accommodate a layered model of the network and pays particular attention to the Service Management Layer/Network Management Layer (SML/NML) interface. In fault and test management, the network management system (162) incorporates elements to apply constraints, feature agreements (Fas), which elements then determine diagnosis and reporting procedures in response to fault or performance report or test inputs to the system (162). The system (162) can be used to manage specific services, such as flexible bandwith services, carried by selected network technology, such as Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) switching.

Description

Network management system for communication networks

The invention relates to network management system for communication networks.For example can be applied to management system any or various faults, test and performance especially.

In setting and operating communication network, for support comprises that it obviously is very important that the various management aspects of network of performance and configuration and fault management provide supervision and controlled function.Since nearer period, not only to manage, but also must be managed the service that provides by network to network self.

Known and disclose various network management system.For example, the network management of in Jean Walrand " communications Networks:A First Course " (Richard Dlrwin lnc and Aksen Associates lnc company publish, US, 1991), discussing.Another relevant publication is that Salah Aidarous and Thomas Plevyak edit and by " the Telecommunications Network Management into the 21st Century " of The lnstitution of Electrical Engineers (IEE) and The lnstitute of Electrical and Electronics Enhineers lns company combined publication, (US, 1994).

Whether satisfactorily the general networking management system must have with the interface of the network of its management so that can monitor or test for example current configuration of various situations and communication scenario and it operation, that is conforms to the performance standard of appointing suitable usefulness.Preferablely be, thus this system may detect mark resemble the mis-behave can the prediction fault and take action in advance.Another purpose of this interface is to be used for network management system to export so that the situation of correction or Control Network to network.

In history, emphasis is to monitor and Control Network hardware itself switch and the Port Multiplier that for example carry out communication inevitably.Quite simple by the service that network provides.But the development of modern age communication, in company with network hardware services proliferate simultaneously, network management system must include settings, monitor and control together with the service function of supporting technology as keeping accounts and charging.

Be that service management system is handled as the entity that separates with network management system in some cases, in other cases then as the difference in functionality of same equipment development.

Importantly institute's employing measure is compatible and flexibly, so that network operation personnel or ISP can be promptly to relating to hardware network, service or problem software or that in user interface, take place and requirement and competitor's activity reacted, and if any strategy that obviously preferably adopts makes and can adapt to new network and new service.

Be used for the Network Management system need one with the interface of network itself so that for example search information and output control messages, the awareness network situation is in view of the above and the energy process information then.To the communication network of complexity, the service that they provided is described with the different layers or the domain of definition from administrative purposes with relevant management system.These layers or the domain of definition are for example with network equipment beginning itself, the i.e. network layer that is monitored and controlled by NML (NML) then.For the service that provides by network, the SML (SML) that can have open in a fen.

Thisly constitute and disclose to be referred to as " management co-operation network configuration " structure (CNA-M) by the applicant with the network management system that level is treated type according to function.The file of relevant CNA-M can be by CNA Secretariat, and British Telecommunications plc (St.Vincent House, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 1UX (UK)) obtains.It is defined in wherein comprise Business Processing and therefore and needs provide the architecture of the management system of service to network.Two basic layers of this structure are SML (SML) and NML (NML).SML coordinate with corresponding network on the relevant everything of management of the service that provides.Processing that but NML provides network mat itself and that planned and operate.

Though action relevant with a certain layer in a network management system has influence to other layers.For example, the error of a switch is directly connected to network layer, but may have influence on the service that moves on this switch, thereby has influence on SML.Thereby it is highly important that between the layer (or domain of definition) of such network management system to have interactivity closely in the management system, and embodiments of the invention are designed such that promptly between layer (or domain of definition) of service and network management system and can realize tight and effective reciprocation.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, provide the management system that is used for communication network, be used to monitor and control the service that provides by network, wherein this management system comprises:

I) be used to contain relevant for network and/or by the input of the triggering signal of the information of its service that provides;

Ii) be used to respond described triggering signal and visit data processing equipment with process information; With

Iii) be used to send the control of related network and/or described service and/or the output of report signal.

Wherein, management system is provided with a data structure, comprise: many stack features explanation data, but the management aspect of each group identification and description communication network, the rule profile that will be associated with selected feature description data set, each rule profile contain and by correlated characteristic the relevant rule of feature that data set is described are described; With the associated data group, be used for one or more rule profile and one or more selected feature description data set are interrelated,

Described data processing equipment is suitable for responding a triggering signal by discerning stack features explanation data and visiting a rule profile, discern by organizing the relevant data set of being able to hear each other of special sheet explanation data with this, if and by this profile or by an associated data group or specified by this data structure, visit at least one another an associated data group and a rule profile by described another associated data group identification, so that this management system can respond triggering signal rightly.

The associated data group can be arranged to hierarchical structure easily.This can adopt " being supported " relation between the associated data group that reflects the Network Layering model.

This triggering signal for example may produce because break down in the network hardware component.The consequence that management system must can analysis of failure need be taked management activities so that determine whether in this case.Management activities may only be a report to the user, perhaps for example says, may relate to and reset the communication route.

Triggering signal also may be because network performance or taken place by the decay of its service that provides in addition.In this case, system's management activities of carrying out can be designed to take the action of being proofreaied and correct or avoid.

On the other hand, triggering signal may be because user or ISP require network or its service are tested and produced.Management system just must be determined the character of test or the test carried out, and the result is returned report like this.

How are original interface that may exist in the feasible not tubular construction of embodiments of the invention or Functions of Management System, all can detect and control the problem of related network generation and the distribution method of fault and their influence.Because these embodiment also can test network and service, so fault, test and the performance management of each side can be provided.

These feature description data sets can the recognition network ability, and for example capacity perhaps can be discerned service or service support characteristic.Be that according to the principle of the management system of the embodiment of the invention data structure will serve effectively and provide their network to be isolated.This for example one or more ISPs will by one or more independently network operator's network to provide under the situation of service may be particular importance.

Management system according to the embodiment of the invention can be designed to adopt the communication network of classification to use with the past, utilization is formed in the software in the switch, perhaps for example with the intelligent network infrastructure of nearest exploitation, or the like use together wherein that network intelligence is provided with discretely with switch adaptably with the surge that is just entering practical service and is more complex.

Although (can be known as network management system in this explanation, as the situation in the reality, generally these systems also will provide SMF.)

In the explanation of first aspect present invention, be referred to as the rule profile above and can preserve the data of relevant network constraint, capacity for example, perhaps can preserve the data of relevant service constraints, for example the condition that proposes in the service level agreement between user and ISP and/or network operation personnel.In other words, at least in part, the embodiment of the invention gives the managerial ability by original interface between for example Service Management of management system and the network management category.

Service-level agreement and is set user or user-selected service normally between the user of service of a network or ISP and network or user, agreed the condition that satisfies together with the ISP.

The embodiment of first aspect present invention can be expressed as: one is used for the management system of communication network, and this management system constitutes according to the hierarchical mode of managed networks, and this management system comprises:

I) be used for respect to network and/or by the input of the triggering signal of its service that provides;

Ii) be used for data processing equipment in response to described triggering signal visit and process information; With

Iii) be used for respect to network and/or described service and the output of signal take place,

Wherein said data processing equipment comprises that one has the structure of the data hierarchy of a features protocol data-storing, use in the data of retrieval defined feature specific requirement on one deck of each comfortable network schemer with support one group with move relevant condition, the condition of service level agreement etc. for example.

Triggering signal may be fault or the performance report that for example shows that a network components breaks down.Management system responds by the data structure of visit corresponding to the one-level of the NML of network model then, and utilizes the addressable data of this one-level to determine that what can work and arrive what degree network characterization.These data also may point out whether need to visit partial data structure.If there is not feature to be affected, perhaps effect characteristics on trickle degree only, then management system promptly may the trigger network diagnosis and is repaired and needn't for example must send report to the user.

On the other hand, a Trouble Report may mean that one or more features that network provides are had a strong impact on, and the result has influence on the service to the user, thereby should be to user report.Management system will need be visited the data structure of a series of grades in this level mostly in this case, so that not only network is diagnosed and repaired but also send result's report, the Trouble Report of for example giving the user in turn thereupon.

The control that realizes Network Management Function aspect the interface between the different stage of network is difficult especially.The embodiment of the invention can be between different brackets, for example the interface of service and network management interlayer provides a kind of framework, and based on the feature agreement setting network of data structure with serve between relation.Embodiments of the invention not only can carry out syndrome check and management with reviewing and can also give first this back of fault propagation that enters between different layers of for example capturing potential trouble-saving and correction is provided on the one hand.

The above-mentioned fault management that focuses on, and quote a triggering signal as Trouble Report about the network components aspect.But embodiments of the invention also can be used for other aspects of supervising the network, for example transmission of test and management or performance report.If the information that a customer requirements need be tested certain aspect of a service, feature or network components, then this triggering signal can comprise a test request.Management system will be visited corresponding to the data structure of the SML of network schemer one group mostly in this, as determining to need to adopt which kind of test and whether needing first step in testing service, feature and/or the network components.According to the data in the structural reference of this grade data, management system then may need to visit the one-level corresponding to the NML of network schemer.The signal that sends of management system can be to produce test signal that the real network parts are tested and subsequently will be the result is sent to the user test report in this case.

Cause the network condition of its mis-behave if take place the network building block to be out of order, this just may impel generation one triggering signal, itself and the feature and the features protocol data-storing that are adapted to this grade network or service management system are compared, to determine whether performance report being sent to higher one-level management.This process can be applied in each continuous grade iteratively, and the possibility of result is with performance report in real time or sent to the user of service with the form of the statistical report in cycle by accumulative total.

According to second aspect of the present invention, the method of a kind of supervisory communications network that provides, by means of a network management system that is combined with a kind of hierarchical data structure, the grade of this hierarchical structure is corresponding to the layer of network schemer, and this data structure comprises or has the visit of definition about the data of the specific features functional requirement of the network of each layer, and the method comprises:

I) receive the triggering signal that constitutes by information about network and/or its service that provides;

Ii) reply this triggering signal by the data structure of visiting the first order in this hierarchical structure;

Iii) utilize the data of the first order to handle the information that is received; With

The output of iv) replying described processing with as by as described in the partial data structure of this hierarchical structure of visit of pointing out of output.

Put it briefly, in conjunction with a hierarchical data structure, it can determine that network management exports according to many set conditions that a triggering signal is used related network model different layers according to the network management system that is used for the network hierarchy model of embodiments of the invention.Watch a network model with the NML that is lower than SML, if the Trouble Report of the network components that management system receives is as triggering signal, generally at first use one group of condition, and follow the condition of using with other grades in this data structure according to the output result from one-level in the data structure that equals NML.Relevant set condition under the various situations is determined by the features protocol data-storing that is retained in the data structure.

If management system receives test request from a user as triggering signal, generally at first will use one group of condition from one-level in the data structure that equals SML, reality moves the one group of condition from the one-level that equals NML of using by the SML/NML interface in other directions then.

Referring now to accompanying drawing, only come the network management system according to one embodiment of the invention is described as example, described accompanying drawing is:

Fig. 1 represents to can be used for the network equipment of the advanced Communications service adopted for network management system;

Fig. 2 represents the Protocol REference Model that is used for broadband service according to atm technology;

Fig. 3 represents to be used for the entity relationship diagram of user/Service Management level interface;

Fig. 4 represents to be used for the entity relationship diagram of Service Management level/network management level interface;

Fig. 5 represents that one is used for the network characterization of special circuit;

Fig. 6 represents to be used for the feature agreement model of the special circuit of Service Management level/network management level interface;

Fig. 7 represents to be used for the feature agreement model of a special services route;

Fig. 8 represents to be used for further one deck feature agreement model of classification of the special services of Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 represents to be used for the feature classification hierarchical structure of a model of an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network;

Figure 10 represents to can be used for the classification example of the feature agreement of inserting with the useful network that is formed on the atm network for assemblage characteristic and profile;

Figure 11 represents the mapping between service features and atm network feature;

Figure 12 represents the User of a simple services;

Figure 13 represents to be used to have its feature that is mapped to the simple services on atm network agreement model;

Figure 14 represents the more detailed department pattern of the circuit of Figure 11 one different routes;

Figure 15 represents that the model of Figure 13 in use responds the part of an incident;

Figure 16 represents to combine with the communication network of desiring to add management according to the management system of one embodiment of the invention with block diagram;

Figure 17 represents the flow chart of the function of network management system in fault management;

Figure 18 represents the flow chart of the function of network management system in test;

Figure 19 represents the part of the model response test request in use of Figure 13; With

Figure 20 represents the hardware used in the embodiment of the invention in the supervising the network with block diagram and functionally explains in more detail than Figure 16 device.

The following explanation of embodiments of the invention is represented according to object-oriented principle.These are known and relate to the programming technique of describing entity in the field of reality with software object.Each software object comprises the relevant data of field of reality entity therewith, and these data only can be conducted interviews by relevant process software.That is data are encapsulated in the process software of the integral unit that shows as data and performance.Target can be grouped to be divided into class, and the target in each classification has same alike result.Classification is hierarchically disposed, whole attributes of the female classification of subclass inheritance but all have one group of public adeditive attribute.May only be that the attribute that the field of reality entity can be managed needs.Such target is referred to as the target of being managed and then these targeted packets is become by the management objectives classification.

It is not main setting up embodiments of the invention according to object-oriented principle, but the present invention should not be looked at as and is confined to this respect.

The network management system of narrating below is to be based upon in the context of advanced network and service, particularly the clothes of bandwidth flexibly (FBS) that provided by asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network technology.Understanding to the overview of related service and network technology is useful.

Network management system is hereinafter technical

Referring to Figure 16, the management system 162 that is used for communication network 163 generally includes the management function software 160 of addressable one or more work station (not illustrating), and is combined with one or more data memories 161 that are used for management information.Foundation is common aspect the support hardware of the technology that management system relied on this degree of embodiments of the invention.For example, for master network, support hardware can be an IBM host computer, perhaps in the future increasing distributed data processing function system.Data-storing 161 can be included among the management function software, perhaps can be distributed by it, and can be other management system visits.

Referring to Figure 20, usually additional interface is provided between the two following:

I) the various dissimilar management function 160 that is closely related with network is configuration, fault and performance management 1601,1602 and 1603 in the situation here;

Ii) a plurality of management functions, for example planning and accounting management 1604,1605 towards affairs;

Iii) user terminal 200; Certainly

Iv) network 163 itself.

In the application, Network Management Function receives data when perhaps network management system management is more than a network (if in fact by a plurality of networks) by network, analyzes data and suitably sends the action of report and control output according to it.On the other hand, it may receive other input, test request for example, and it will be analyzed the detecting information that may receive or may be collected according to test request and correspondingly send report more in this case.

In network management (NM) function operations, it is important the mode that it is analyzed relevant information certainly, what is promptly according to the data input that is received, the place that these data inputs are loaded, how to select the data input that performs an analysis and use what data in the data that it distributes in analysis, particularly as with reference to value, because these factors are determining to monitor by the NM function all will play partial action in how handling with the controlling party torus network.Suitable to this is the network model of setting up the NM function, or constitutes in view of the above.

A kind of situation that can be illustrated this inventive embodiment is the flexible bandwidth service that is provided by the asynchronous transfer mode network, will do to describe in detail to these now.

Flexible bandwidth service (FBS)

FBS is a kind of network service, is provided at selection in the purchase in themselves the hardware to the user, and for example Port Multiplier and dedicated transmissions circuit are so that set up a collaborative dedicated network.The user specifies specific bandwidth requirement on the basis of point-to-point, interface and operating time requirement, and the network operation personnel provides equipment that satisfies these requirements and the capacity that needs with administrative institute.The user can monitor their network and the bandwidth change of request by the field network office terminal.In addition, the accounts system that is used for FBS is designed to be and gives the user flexibility completely, makes that accounts can be according to the sharing in user facility inside of user's defined, and sends to selected address by the desirable rule of user.

FBS is designed to be independent of the physical network that is used for realizing it.For example say and to adopt a core network Port Multiplier, do interconnection comprehensively with the two-way 2Mb/s delivery circuit of overlay network operating operation personnel's junction network.A kind of like this network can be designed to be has flexibility, reversibility and economy.As long as Port Multiplier meets international standard, service just can suitably be moved on the new network technology.

Referring to Fig. 1, show the basic structure that a FBS with the user in three places (A, B and C) is served.Can notice that this specific user has a place that requires high recovery to visit, place B, this is reached by the internetwork different routes of place B and core FBS.

In this example, the user can three methods realize to the visit of network:

The local cable link of high speed access--2Mb/s adds the Port Multiplier of a customer site;

The middling speed visit--the local cable link of 2Mb/s adds that one can utilize the on-the-spot Port Multiplier that reaches ten kinds of services simultaneously;

Low speed visit--the single service that one " Kilo stream " system link provides speed to reach 64Kb/s perhaps makes that with a Port Multiplier it is 9.6 or 3 to 5 services of 19.2Kb/s that speed can be provided.

The Port Multiplier that is placed in customer site is the part of FBS service and is managed by the network operation personnel.Combination in following three kinds of modes provides the bandwidth feasible to user's route:

" 24 hours " bandwidth--365 days every year, all can realize the velocity interval of 1.2Kb/s to 1920Kb/s 24 hours every days.Can be by being used for changing this arrangement.

Bandwidth " is ranked "--according to giving the bandwidth that first user's arrangement is activated and disconnects.Can monthly change this arrangement;

" on request " bandwidth--in the time can not monthly shifting to an earlier date the nominated bandwidth requirement, use.The user specifies the connectedness of required service, but do not comprise require the number of times that is employed.This " on request " bandwidth is requested by phone, fax or network management terminal.To within three hours, make this bandwidth become possibility.

The summation of " 24 hours ", " being ranked " and " on request " bandwidth defines the bandwidth requirement of each.Utilize this information, but the grade of service quality that the size of network operation personnel's regulation network has been agreed to satisfy the user.

The atm network technology

ATM is based on the transmission technology of unit.It can bear the service of all types timing and bandwidth requirement, comprises data, image, language, fax, transmission information and multimedia service.Basic physical composition partly is transmission link, Port Multiplier and switch.Virtual Path and pseudo channel notion provide a kind of mechanism of extracts physical equipment.Physical transmission link for example can carry two Virtual Path, three pseudo channels of each Virtual Path carrying.Physical transmission link for example can be synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH) or the ATM that is supported by EPON (PON) link.The typical bit rate that is used to transmit is 2.4Gb/s and the 40Gb/s that is that is used for switch transition.

Because the service range born is very wide, has service (QOS) requirement of different qualities separately and optimize needs, thereby require effective communication and QOS management control the utilization of Internet resources.ITU series suggestion has now confirmed two types of controls, promptly connects to receive control (CAC) and resource administration (SP).CAC guarantees only to have and just set new connection when the expectation network can carry extra traffic.The input port of SP monitoring network adapts with the traffic that guarantees the to enter speed with user's agreement.To cause going out of use or being received with lower priority and/or make the user increase added burden of unit as inconsistent.

The peculiar maintenance issues of ATM is about information source administration (SP) and calls out to receive and control (CAC).The administration function (PF) of carrying out SP is a network components function of finishing in hardware usually.If call out and to be got rid of, may wish to notify lowering one's standard or status of service that the user causes by SML by PF.Owing to determine whether to notify SML to make, may need to send warning label or Trouble Report by network management.The threshold values that is used for rejected unit will be decided with service, as regulation in the user share.For CAC, call denial must be notified SML equally.Permissible reject rate is fixed by service, and is stipulated in user's contract.

The contract that detects by PF or CAC run counter to for some reason that barrier equipment causes, thereby to start maintenance program.Management system must be determined the reason (that is hardware fault still is the abuse of user to contract) of breaking contract, and takes corresponding action.

Referring to Fig. 2, along with open system interconnect the logical level structure of (OSI) and come be used for Protocol REference Model based on the ATM broadband service, wherein each layer service of all having the specific function of himself and utilizing surface layer down to be provided provides the service of regulation to upper layer.The ATM layer and more high-rise between dispose ATM adaptation layer (AAL).User service be present in this more high-rise in.The effect of AAL is the passing service that is provided by the ATM layer for the requirement that strengthens according to specific user (user) service.In other words, it is provided at the timing relationship of being asked between source and target (synchronous or asynchronous), bit rate (constant or variation) and the connected mode (connection-oriented or connectionless).AAL also is provided for the service data segmentation is become the part of atm cell size so that by pseudo channel transmission and the function that re-assemblies at the target place.

The ITU standard body has defined 5 AAL agreement patterns to adapt to very large-scale user's service.AAL1 is used for synchronous constant bit-rate service, for example Voice ﹠ Video (that is circuit simulation).AAL2 is used for synchronous variable-digit speed service, for example compressed video.AAL3/4 is used for the variable-digit speed service, and this AAL is two originally, and one is used for attachable service (as frame picture relaying) and one and is used to not have Connection Service (as SMPS).And made afterwards is that an AAL can comprise two kinds of situations.AAL5 is the reduction procedure of AAL3/4, makes to transmit bigger data block with improved error detection occurs ground.At last, when the service of ATM layer is enough to satisfy customer requirements, adopt AAL0.

Feature agreement notion

In an embodiment of the present invention, import this " feature agreement (FA) " notion.

The FA model provides the interface between the management level that a kind of consistent measure comes the network enabled management system.It makes management level to provide relevant its domain of definition specific description in a certain respect with the accessible form of a kind of adjacent layer, for example, this network can serviced management system be regarded a group network performance (being commonly referred to network characterization) as, and it has constituted the part of the foundation service of mat.These network characteristics can be irrelevant with network technology or equipment vender.

The element of FA model is following management object classification.These classifications can be divided into the subclass that is used for particular network or service.

I) feature

Technology or the functional component that is provided at a management interface has been provided this classification abstractively.At user/SML interface, the service that offers the user may comprise one or more feature (or subclass service features).Should point out that a service features can be one to can be used for user's Service Management ability.At the SML/NML interface, this feature will express support for the network technology or the network function of service features.These features are network characterization.If there has been suitable classification, can utilize one or more standard management objects to show a feature.

Ii) profile

How one profile explanation supports a kind of feature in management, for example safeguard, lay in or keep accounts and the performance/quality of service request.There is not the function relevant with the profile that only comprises information.

Iii) feature agreement

One feature agreement is associated feature with the profile of desiring to be applied to these features at the specific user of this agreement.This association is that all profiles are applied to the feature of being quoted for this feature agreement.According to this interface, the user may be SML, another network operation personnel, an actual user or another system or the entity that utilizes this feature to reach an agreement on.

Might a feature agreement want a plurality of between supported feature and the profile to a plurality of relations, but in the present embodiment, adopted all relations.

Iv) service-user contract

The service-user contract is the contract that comprises the whole agreement between a network operation personnel and a user.It only is used to user/SML interface.Service-user contract (SCC) will be quoted the profile of summarizing all services, the requirement of for example comprehensively keeping accounts.

Referring to Fig. 3, the framework of component model here is at user/SML interface, can show by an entity relationship diagram.

SCC30 refers to all services of user 31.SCC can be made up of many sub-contracts.Each service represents that with a service FA32 it is made up of a plurality of service features 33 and manages according to the profile 34 that is used for this FA.FA32 can be made up of many simple services, and therefore a FA32 can concern that 35 relate to other FA by relevant FA.When a service features 33 was supported by a network characterization, this service FA32 can relate to the network FA36 that comprises the network enabled feature.When the profile of same type is quoted by SCC30 and FA32, the FA profile will be preferential.If possible should avoid this situation.

With reference to Fig. 4, the model framework of SML/NML interface is introduced network characterization 47 and relevant profile 48.Each network FA36 points to these network characterizations 47, and the relevant profile 48 definition characteristics of management how, or carry out.Network characterization 47 may be made up of better simply network characterization, thereby network FA36 may relate to other networks FA.

The FA model is to the application of special circuit

With reference to Fig. 5, the FA model can be applied to special circuit and offer the state of the special circuit of other management system to stipulate a network.

A network characterization 50 that is used for special circuit is arranged.Feature 50 is made up of the classification in the network model that is present in corresponding network operation personnel.These classifications are sub-network connection 51 and network hierarchy connection end point 52.Fig. 5 represents their the recording feature information that how to be used to.As shown, special circuit feature 50 is discerned by the ID that represents circuit.

Special circuit will have can be by the profile that is associated of proper classification.Can utilize the subclass of following profile classification.

Special circuit can utilize profile

The condition of the availability of definition special circuit and destruction availability requirement.Two kinds of attributes are defined:

Availability indexes (availability Figure)

Definition circuit must be available percentage of time;

Failure condition (break Conditions)

Definition destroys the warning pattern and the seriousness of availability requirement.

Special circuit is safeguarded profile

Definition comprises the moment and response time that needs cover to the maintenance requirement of special circuit.Attribute has:

Safeguard and cover (maintenance Cover)

By every day hour, fate weekly and any exception;

Response time (response Time)

In case assert the time that to take action after the fault;

Window (window)

Be defined in the time that to carry out attended operation during it.

Special circuit report profile

Regulation should be reported any information, whither reports and reports under what kind of situation.Attribute is:

Report

Must be to the information of each goal systems report;

The report condition

Send the condition of report.

Referring to Fig. 6, the agreement of the feature of a special circuit is privateCircuitFeatureAgreement (agreement of special circuit feature).Relatedfeatures (relevant feature) attribute is limited to the example 61 that points to the subnetworkConnection classification.RelatedProfiles (relevant profile) attribute is limited to the example 62 that points to three above-mentioned profiles.

Only be used to simple relatively situation as above-mentioned FA model.If FA simulation measure will be done to use more widely, and be used for the network except that special circuit and the words of service, then must understand the restriction of this measure and any raising of being discerned (for example, from the new relationship or the attribute of unrecognized mistake, perhaps to the concrete restriction of relation and attribute).The problem that below is at the advanced network of simulation and must considers when serving for example atm network and FBS.

Feature identification

Within the whole restriction of feature agreement measure, have many methods and can be used to describe complicated service, for example FBS, or network, for example ATM.It is desirable to, come the specific model of self-generating by the service and the network standard of a standard.

The utilization again of feature

When more service and network were carried out simulation, some feature was to not only service or network are common probably.These should be given record with a kind of form that makes them can be added utilization again in other models.Should in kind simulate same feature, be convenient to utilize again and when possibility, should constitute a classification hierarchical structure.

Relevant feature

To finishing the perfect management of advanced networks and service, need show the relation between the same management level feature mostly.For example, to the fault management of network, understanding a feature to take the photograph fault management before carrying out for fault location is favourable to the effect of another feature.Can utilize relatedFAS (relevant FA) pointer (see figure 4) or independently to concern target.But this information can not be required to utilize the FA notion to explain.

Because service features is capable of being combined forming the feature of higher level, and then also can become the part of higher level feature, also has another internal control ATM layer relationsATM.Adopt hierarchical structure mechanism for adapting to this structure needs.These relations may need carrying out the attribute expansion of class declaration in the FA model.

Service family

For in fact being the service of serving family, managing this gang as one group can be very easily.

Service as service groups

Complex services as FBS is formed with the subordinate service that constitutes whole service by being combined in together.For example, in fact a service can be made of the set of a plurality of compositions, comprises network service (calling line identification, network speed is called out, and arranges working day etc.), is converted data, leased line and call-flow service.The part service is carried out simulation and sees a single service as so that the user will organize service.

Subscriber management function

Some services comprise FBS, and the user can be controlled their Service Management to a certain extent.The part that this management setting is this service thereby must in the FA model, be explained.

Rate of charge and record keeping

The rate of charge of object FBS and so on service and record keeping are more complex than traditional leased line service.This set is counted as the part of service and must be simulated.

Make service and network map simultaneously

Relation between the service of network and leased line service is quite simple to the model that utilizes the FA notion, is man-to-man basically because carry out map between network and service features.For more complicated service such as FBS, this map is much then complicated.Must develop a kind of is the requirement that definition and the framework of explaining relation information satisfy all management functions, comprises transmission of messages (for example deterioration characteristic Impact Report and test action) and incident/warning issue.The FA model includes and concerns that target supports this point.The framework of being developed must one be made peace suitably flexibly to satisfy all current and network future and services.

Except that the map of network and service entities, in addition for example warning of management information, test result, fault and maps such as performance report, configuration requirement are advanced all problems of accessible term of both sides' management level.Along with service is independent of the network of supporting them more, this becomes more and more difficult.Do not know management system which partly should bear and carry out this map.

For fault and test and management, must understand operating mode in failure condition lower network and service.Utilize FA simulation notion, one " deterioration characteristic database " (BFDB) can be used to support be used for the fault management of SML/ network control layer (NCL) interface of special circuit.The characteristic of damaging is one because certain problem and can not correctly realize the feature of function.BFDB is the memory of the service of the network characteristic damaged of an influence.

BFDB provides the device to SML reporting ent fault.When breaking down on the special circuit (a for example megastream circuit), an alarm signal is by the reception of the warning collector unit (ACU) that is used for this circuit.This ACU determine about this fault information (circuit I D, device id, the warning pattern, etc.), and this information is sent to BFDB with the form of feature affects report (FAR).BFDB dependence compares with FA feasibility profile and checks whether received fault diminishes characteristic.If the characteristic of diminishing then check whether this characteristic goes to pot.If it is destroyed, just fault is registered at this destruction and no longer taken action.Register new destruction if characteristic is not destroyed as yet and send impact statement to SML.This BFDB can also handle from for example inquiry about the current fault of registering at an impaired characteristic of an incident and test and management system (ETMS) of other system.

If BFDB is stretched over service outside the special circuit, then must covers following scope:

How identify feature destroys

May be difficult to ask for the information how feature is destroyed for new service and network.For service, standard is with the quality of the service agreement between operating personnel Network Based and user.But, be because network problem just needs the derived grid accident is how to influence service characteristic if damage.Network performance will be present in the rank of wide range, and this information must be for conversion into significant term on seeervice level in case can determine to the service influence.The influence that network performance worsens will be relevant with service.For example, losing of a small amount of atm cell can not influence voice service but detect and the data, services of correction setting then can not receive for zero defect.

For new network technology, the situation that their characteristic can be destroyed may be difficult to determine, because show that their practical problem will be according to the reliability of physical resource.This reliability only can could be determined by the observation by the time.

Network or service characteristic also may damage because of fault in other parts of network or application problem.For service, the reciprocation of undesirable characteristic is exactly a problem, particularly for advanced person's network service.

Identify damaged characteristic and how to influence other characteristics

For diagnosis with before take the photograph fault management, the effect of understanding impaired characteristic is how to spread in management level and may is useful by management interface.

Automatic or manual detects

For automatic fault and test and management ability importantly understand which characteristic can be detected as be damaged automatically which characteristic to need manual operation to determine their state with.

For the automatic detection of impaired network characteristic, need the hardware and/or the software that are used to debate knowledge abnormal operation situation.

Be provided with even Internet resources have relevant automatic fault to detect, the deduction of the warning that management system still might be by coming other parts of automatic network detects the characteristic that is monitored.

The feature agreement model that is used for FBS and ATM

This joint explanation is used for the FA model of FBS and ATM.Focus on service or network-critical or those specific FA classifications.All classification all will have a recognition property.This attribute does not add expression.Below these profiles be common, enumerated for integrality here.But should point out that this table itself is incomplete.And in practice, have between the scope of these profiles that some is overlapping.

AvailabilityProfile (availability profile)

ProvisionProfile (profile is set)

MaintenanceProfile (safeguarding profile)

TariffingProfile (rate of charge profile)

ReportingProfile (report profile)

PerformanceProfile (performance profile)

PEWProfile (the engineer operation profile of being planned)

QOSProfile (service quality profile)

Monitoringprofile (supervision profile)

BillingProfile (record keeping profile)

The feature agreement model that is used for FBS

The following describes feature, profile and the feature agreement of FBS.FBS feature routeFeature (route characteristics)

The routeFeature classification is represented two user sides' the connection of asking.It has the A of the connection pointed to and the attribute of B end.These attributes are:

·aEnd

Point to the A end nodeFeature (node diagnostic) that connects;

·bEnd

Point to the B end nodeFeature that connects.

nodeFeature

The nodeFeature classification is represented the terminal point of one or more circuit (route) of a user side.Its attribute is:

Address (address)

User side's address.(in other words, have one the expression user side classification.Under this situation when a side has many nodes is useful.To point to this side's of expression place object like this in all addresss of node of same side.)；

Location (place)

The physical location of the node in the user side.

ServiceManagementFeature (Service Management feature)

As the part of FBS service, the user has the selection of certain aspect of management service self usually.This serviceManagementFeature classification is expressed as the Service Management ability that the user can use.It is as follows to have the subclass that is used for each ability:

StatusFeature (status flag)

This characteristic offers the diagrammatic representation of user network on access node and the route between them.Color change will show the warning on the route and can observe the details of indicating fault.User by selecting (for example button) suitable graphic object and the CONSTRUCTED SPECIFICATION that can observe route and node.

ServiceChangeFeature (service change characteristic)

The user can ask to change in some way service.This change comprises requirement bandwidth (24 hours, on request and fix) and group of routes structure (existing or new).The user may receive regular process report.

ServiceTestFeature (service testing feature)

This feature makes the user can require service to be tested and test result to be received.

ProblemReportingFeature (problem report feature)

This characteristic can Report a Problem the user to the network operation personnel.

OnLineBillingFeature (online record keeping feature)

The user can onlinely obtain charging information.

The FBS profile

AccessProfile (visit profile)

This accessProfile classification only is associated with the nodeFeature classification.If it illustrates that a node visit FBS serves desired characteristics and these and requires not satisfy the bookkeeping that institute's correspondence is taked.Its attribute is:

Resilience (recovery capability)

Reinstatement or normal;

Speed (speed)

Low, in or high.

BandwidthProfile (bandwidth profile)

This bandwidthProfile classification only is associated with the routeFeature classification.The attribute specification user of bandwidthProfile classification requires the bookkeeping should take when not satisfying to a particular way by desired capacity with at these.Attribute is:

24Hour (24 hours)

Desired at any time minimum bandwidth;

Scheduled (being arranged)

Time and date on request is higher than the bandwidth that 24Hour requires;

OnDemand (on request)

Begin as quickly as possible the bandwidth of (but within 3 hours) requirement by the time that claims.The time that comprises the bandwidth that requires is long.

In bandwidthProfile, aspect the restriction of specified capacity, between accessProfiles and bandwidthProfile, will have a kind of correlation.Specified in necessarily can not be for the total capacity of appointment in the profile of the route that stops at a specific node greater than acecssProfile to this node.

ServiceManagementProfile (Service Management profile)

All there is an explanation how to manage the profile of the correspondence of this serviceManagementFeature for each serviceManagementFeatures.This profile will comprise user's preference and desired performance (for example response time after a request).

BillingProfile (record keeping profile)

It is for giving the user flexibility completely that design F keeps accounts.The attribute of this billingProfile

AllocationDetails (distribution details)

How specified costs distributes to user's affairs unit.The name and address that comprises the personnel that receive bill;

Frequency (frequency)

Every month or per ten days;

Day Of Month (every month date)

Sent the date of bill in every month;

Media (media)

The media (disk, tape, EDI, online) that shows bill to the user.

Should point out between the value of media attribute and current Service Management feature a restriction to be arranged.That is, if the value of media attribute is " online " a current onLineBillingFeature just must be arranged.

TariffingProfile (rate of charge profile)

FBS has a rate of charge structure flexibly, comprises configuration expense, year expense and bandwidth expense.This tariffingprofile provides the details of charge.The attribute of tariffingprofile is:

SetUpcharges (configuration takes)

Be given for the link that is configured to core FBS network and be used for user interface service access point, expense SAP);

Annualcharges (year is taken)

Be given for the link and the annual charge that is used for user interface (SAP) of each core FBS network;

BandwidthCharges (bandwidth is taken)

Regulation by the various bandwidth types of every kilometer hourly penny of number (promptly 24 hours, be ranked and on request) price;

PreProvisioningcharges (giving setup fee)

Be defined as the expense that link, interface and bandwidth are set of giving;

DiscountOptions (discount option)

Regulation depends on the feasible reduction of contract length;

SetUpChargeOptions (configuration expense option)

How the specified configuration expense can be launched at contract period.

QOSProfile (service quality profile)

Measure transmission performance according to end points to end points.On qOSProfile, indicate this measurement and target.The attribute of qOSProfile is:

Error Free Seconds (EFS, zero defect time)

The no bit mistake of outer transmission of seeervice cycle test period is transmitted the percentage of time.Target) 99.5%.

Severely Errored Seconds (SES, serious mistake time)

Bit error rate (BER) surpasses 10 ^-3Transmission period between time percentage.Target＜0.05%.

Network Added Delay (NAD, network increases time-delay)

Be used for a bit SAP measure round-trip delay.Target＜24ms.

AvailabilityProfile (availability profile)

The percent time of availabilityProfile classification designated user available service.This index is to be used for each other transmission (that is, conversation that be arranged for each or as requested).The attribute of availabilityProfile is:

Availability Figure (availability index)

For FBS, but this is 99.85% with the property index;

BreakConditions (interrupt condition)

Desire in determining.

MaintenanceProfile (safeguarding profile)

Recover the performance objective of FBS service after this profile explanation fault.These attributes are summarized automatically and the target of manual reversion.

Following attribute is summarized recovery automatically:

AutomaticRestorationTime (automatic recovery time)

In the time may recovering automatically, target is less than 40 seconds,

Following attribute is summarized manual reversion:

FaultLocationTime (fault location time)

For checking and maximum time of locating a fault are 30 minutes;

EngineerOnSite (execute-in-place)

The engineer must reach the spot in 24 hours;

RepairTime (repairing time)

The maximum time of place under repair is 1 hour.

The agreement of FBS feature

The feature agreement subclass that this joint explanation has been discerned for the FBS service.Be given with the relation of correlated characteristic and profile classification:

RouteFA (route FA)

Fig. 7 shows the feature agreement model 70 of FBS route.The terminate suitable nodefeature object of this route of the aENd of routeFeatute71 and bENd properties point;

NodeFA (node FA)

Fig. 8 i shows the feature agreement model 80 of FBS node;

ServiceManagementFA (Service Management FA)

Referring to Fig. 8 ii, serviceManagementFA classification 81 interrelates serviceManagementFeature classification and suitable servicemanagementProfile82.Service Management ability for each type all has subclass;

CustomerManagementFA (user management FA)

Fig. 8 ii explanation is used for the classification and the relation of this customerManagementFA classification 85.This classification is represented the integrity service managerial ability that the specific user can use;

·fBSFA

Fig. 8 iii shows the pattern that is used for the FBS service.The FBS service can be by the set of performance as a route, node and subscriber management capabilities.This fBSFA classification 84 is promptly represented the FBS service.RelatedFA (relevant FA) properties point represents to form the route of FBS service and the feature agreement 85,86 of node.The quantity of route and node will depend on the user.This fBSFA classification 84 will have the profile that is used for this service as a whole 87 that is associated with it, for example a record keeping profile.Each router FA85 or node FA86 all will have their own special-purpose profiles.

Provide the example of a title below for the specific FBS service of " complete simulative example ".

The feature agreement model that is used for ATM

The key feature of one atm network is to be related to Virtual Path, pseudo channel and adaptive.Next joint explanation is known feature together, profile and feature agreement for the atm network technology.

The ATM feature

vPTrail

This vPTrail represents a permanent or semipermanent folk prescription that passes network to route, for example a delivery circuit.It is corresponding to an ATM Virtual Path (VP).It is other subclass of managed object class that generally after-tows that defines in the BT network model.Its attribute is:

·a-TP

Point to a end destination node of VP;

·z-TP

Point to the z end destination node of VP.

·vCTrail

VCTrail represents to pass on request or the partly standing unidirectional route of network, a for example individual call.It is corresponding to-ATM virtual signal (VC).It is general back other subclass of managed object class that defines in the BT network model.Its attribute is:

·a-Tp

Point to a end destination node of VP;

z-TP

Point to the z end destination node of VC.

sAPFeature

Fig. 9 shows sAPFeature classification hierarchical structure.This sAPFeature classification represents to provide in the network point (being service access point (SAP)) to the visit of service.SAP provides appropriate adaptive to special services.It has a kind of attribute:

subordinate?Of

This attribute is debated and is known the equipment of SAP as its a part of customer site.

SAP will have the required appropriate adaptive relevant aALProfile of a regulation.All has subclass for unidirectional and two-way SAP90,91,92.

Referring to Fig. 9, two unidirectional SAP are arranged, one is used for 90 and one of sending directions (sAPTxFeature) and is used for receive direction (sAPRxFeature) 91.Two-way SAP (sAPBidFeature) 92 is the subclass of two unidirectional SAP classifications for this reason.

aTMSignallingFeature

This aTMSignallingFeature represents to be converted the signaling capability that connection provides by network for control.

The ATM profile

The profile that this joint explanation has been admitted for the atm network technology.

AdaptationProfile (adaptive profile)

This profile classification comprises the adaptive requirement of atm network so that successfully carry out service via network.If these require not satisfy the management activities that will take this profile regulation.The characteristics of these attribute regulation services.These attributes are:

Timing (regularly)

Timing relationship between some service request source and targets, other service are then not;

Bit Rate (bit rate)

Some services have constant bit rate, other have a variable bit rate;

Mode (pattern)

Service can be connection-oriented or connectionless.

Each AAL pattern all has subclass, and (being AAL0, AAL1, AAL2, AAL3/4 and AAL5), as following:

aAL1Profile

Timing (regularly)

Be required;

Bit Rate (bit rate)

Constant;

Mode (pattern)

Towards connection.

aAL2Profile

Timing (regularly)

Be required;

Bit Rate (bit rate)

Variable;

Mode (pattern)

Towards connection.

aAL3/4Profile

Timing (regularly)

Do not require;

Bit Rate (bit rate)

Variable;

Mode (pattern)

Connectionless (or towards connecting).

aAL5Profile

Timing (regularly)

Do not require;

Bit Rate (bit rate)

Variable;

Mode (pattern)

Towards connection.

aAL0Profile

When need not to adopt this adaptive profile when adaptive.Promptly be exactly, when service provides pure atm cell to network.Property value will be NULL (invalid):

Timing (regularly)

NULL；

Bit Rate (bit rate)

NULL；

Mode (pattern)

NULL。

accessProfile

This profile is to the arbitrary visiting demand of service access feature agreement appointment.Attribute is:

Resilience (restorative)

Various or single visit route;

Capcity (capacity)

Available maximum bandwidth.

BandwidthProfile (bandwidth profile)

If the management activities that this bandwidthProfile classification explanation will be taked when not satisfying by the bandwidth characteristics that the data that provided are provided and these requirements.These attributes have:

Peak (peak value)

This is the required peak bandwidth of service;

Mean (centre)

This is the required average bandwidth of service;

Burstness (bursting property)

This is measure (that is data is how " to burst ") that characterizes rapidity that bandwidth requirement changes

PerformanceProfile (performance profile)

How this performanceProfile classification illustrates the performance and the required standard of Measurement Network feature.If be included in the management activities that produces when running counter to performance standard.Different piece for atm network has subclass.The actual performance of any moment feature will be registered in another place by performance management system and for this reason profile quote.Performance profile subclass is as follows:

aTMLayerPerformanceProfile

The performance of the following explanation Virtual Path and pseudo channel:

Bit error rate (BER);

Unit insertion rate;

The unit loss ratio.

This profile will be associated with vCTrail and vPTrail feature;

aALPerformanceProfile

The performance of the following explanation adaptation layer:

Unit mistake ratio;

Unit insertion rate;

The short-term bit error rate (BER);

Serious error unit;

The unit propagation delay;

The cell delay deviation.

This profile will be associated with the sAPFeature classification.

networkperformanceProfile

The over-all properties of the following explanation network:

The information mistake;

Information dropout;

The average information transmission delay;

The message delay deviation.

This profile contains the rule that the performance of sAPFeatures and vCTrail/vPTrail feature is transformed into general networking performance term.Performance management system can utilize this information calculations to surpass the moment of performance threshold values then.

The feature agreement of ATM

How the explanation of this joint utilizes the feature agreement ATM feature and above-mentioned profile can be made up to be formed with the Web content of usefulness.

·connectivityBidSymFA

Figure 10 i shows the connectivityBidSymFA classification.Two vPTrail examples of these feature agreement 100 combinations are to form the connection (similar megastream circuit) of permanent (or semipermanent) between 2.Should point out that this does not comprise service access point, be used for representing connectivity because this FA only is attempt.This circuit is two-way and symmetrical.All profile 101 covers all features 102.

AAL1Profile is employed, because AAL1 is adaptive " breadboardin " pattern.The performance profile is the aTMLayerPerformanceprofile classification.

·connectivityBidAsymFA

Figure 10 ii shows the connectivityBidAsymFA classification.This feature agreement 110 is used to require in all directions the occasion of different data characteristics.Figure 10 ii show can be used to one on request the classification of image services and their relation.

The connectivityBidAsymFA classification is made up of two unidirectional connection features agreement 111,112 (being classification connectivityUniFA), and one is used for all directions.Each connectivityUniFA example all will have separately with the profile 113,114,115 that is complementary by the data demand that sends by its.

In Figure 10 ii, the connectivityUniFA111 on the left side is used for video data (high bandwidth, variable-digit speed require regularly), and the connectivityUniFA112 on the right then is used for user command (low bandwidth does not require regularly).

·sAPEA

Show sAPFA at Figure 10 iii, one provides the feature agreement 116 of service access ability.Have be used to send, the subclass 117,118,119 of reception and two-way accessing points.Each sAPEfeature all will have a relevant aALProfile115.

There are two subclass to be used for unidirectional SAPFA.SAPTxFA103 is used for sending direction one unidirectional SAP and has a relevant sAPTxFeature117.Equally, for a unidirectional SAP in the receive direction one sAPRxFA104 with relevant sAPRxFeature118 is arranged.SAPBidFA119 is the subclass of two unidirectional SAP classifications.SAPBidSymFA105 is from both sides' inheritance feature.This just means that it will be made up of a sAPTxFeature117 and a sAPRxFeature118 with a public profile group.SAPBidAsymFA106 inherits and sends and receive the feature agreement.For clarity sake, repeated heritable classification (dotted outline) among the figure.

·sAFA

Referring to Figure 10 iv, the service access feature is set up in the set that this features protocol 107 is gathered sAPFA116.Each sAPFA116 all will be associated with same physical equipment.SAFA107 supports service nodeFeature.The sAPFA116 quantity of being assembled depends on specific service.

·endToEndConnectivityFA

Referring to Figure 10 v, endToEndConnectivityFA classification 108 will support one completely end points to the required network characterization of endpoint communication ability be assembled into together.This classification comprise service access point 116 with they between be connected.

Their how associated purposes that is used to define the whole network performance that end points to end points connects of illustrated performanceProfile classification 109 explanations.

The subclass of endToEndConnectivityFA108 is defined and is used for unidirectional with two-way end points to end points and is connected.These subclass will be made up of the subclass of suitable sAPFA116 and connectivityFA120.

Map between FBS feature and ATM feature

This joint is enumerated some with FBS Feature Mapping example and explanation two kinds of possible mapping approach when non-man-to-man relation on the ATM feature.

How Figure 11 i shows that a route with FBS is mapped to atm network.EndToEndConnectivityBidSymFA121 is used to support routeFA122.In this case, be a simple man-to-man mapping.

Support to have admitted two kinds of approach that are used to shine upon in the situation of a single service features agreement in the agreement of multimeshed network feature.The FBS that considers different routes connects.

Approach 1

Referring to Figure 11 ii, define a new network FA here, diverselvRoutedEndToEndConnectivityBidSymFA123, it gathers two endToEndConnectivityBidSymFA121.

Approach 2

Referring to Figure 11 iii, in second approach, utilize relationship object 124 define the service and network FA between relation.

How relationship object 124 makes up regulation network characterization agreement 125 is supported how service features agreement 126 and management information transmit on twocouese by the SML/NML interface.In feature agreement notion, a kind of classification that concerns has been proposed for this purpose.

In these two kinds of approach, all needing a kind of is the mechanism of the rule of conduct of the relation between define grid feature and service features of capturing.A kind of general rule-based language that is used for this problem is further being discussed.

Employing approach 1 in the content of the discussions of the remainder of this specification.

One complete simulation example

Referring to Figure 12, consider have Ipswich, Belfast and Edinburgh in the user in place 127, have following interconnective requirement:

Special circuit by Ipswich to Belfast

64Kb/s was used for sound in 24 hours,

Special circuit by Ipswich to Edinburgh

2Mb/s was used for data in 24 hours.

One additional requirement is that the node of Ipswich must have high recovery capability.Need not subscriber management capabilities.

These requirements can be by providing a bandwidth service flexibly to be satisfied.Figure 12 shows how this service can be represented as figure at user/SML interface.

Figure 13 shows how the FBS service is simulated and how can be realized on atm network.What point to node is:

Be not that each FA all comprises all profiles;

Each nodeFA supports by the sAFA that assembles sAPFeatures on this node;

Each routeFA supports by the connectivity FA of the end points that comprises SAP by definition to end points.The SAP characteristic is comprised in (these are the sAFA and the connectivity FA of its termination) among the unlikely FA in other words;

One visit profile is present in seeervice level and network level both sides.Attribute adopts different terms but comprises same requirement.The recovery of seeervice level is realized by the route of the access portion of differently seeking route in network.Reaching by the capacity that 2Mb/s is provided on node at a high speed on the seeervice level;

The route of seeervice level does not comprise the node of their end, though they have the pointer (by aEnd and bEnd attribute, seeing top " FBS feature ") to them.Network enabled connectivity FA comprises end points (being sAPFeatures).This explanation network model needn't reflect the structure of service model.Both sides' model can be developed the requirement of satisfying different management systems independently;

By network is that the selected adaptive profile of sound circuit is a model 1.To the data circuit, model 3/4 is selected.

Impaired feature

This joint explanation FBS and ATM feature be " destruction " how.If feature can not correctly be moved and be subjected to injurious effects with the service that causes their to support and just be referred to as damage.The damage of feature has two kinds of situations usually.If a feature can't use it just will damage, if the user can not utilize it in other words.Second situation is if but the user can utilize this feature performance to reduce.It is a kind of damage of soft form that performance reduces, and it will need to safeguard but may not think to be unfavorable for index to service availability.Performance/QOS profile will include above it just thinks the impaired threshold values of feature.The performance of severe exacerbation may be counted as the index that is unfavorable for availability, and if so, these situations will be prescribed in the availability profile.

The feature that ATM damages is because the object conversion of atm network and the fault in the transmission system cause.Since the main sign that these faults produce be lose synchronously, data error and dropout.These problems make the different performance deterioration parameter that defines in the performance profile.To be provided with one and be higher than its promptly definite impaired threshold values of feature.Actual threshold values will be decided with service and user.

Table 1 has been summarized each atm network feature and how have been damaged, and which further feature is affected (ATM feature and/or FBS feature that these may be other) and how these features are affected.Only refer to senior classification, because subclass will have same behavior state.

Feature that table 1 damages and their influence

Network characterization	Damaged condition	Affected service (with or network) feature	Affected situation
				VPTrail vCTrail	Can not utilize	The route characteristics of supporting	Can not be used for the Trail direction transmits
Performance reduces	The route characteristics of supporting	The transmission that reduces in the Trail direction
			SAFeature		Can not utilize	Node diagnostic	The performance that reduces
The vPTrai that relevant vCTrail is relevant	Input signal is lost
		Far-end sAPFeature		Remote signaling is lost
Performance reduces	Node diagnostic					The performance that reduces
		The vPTrail that relevant vCTrail is relevant		The input signal that reduces
	Far-end sAPFeature				Remote signaling worsens
		Annotate: 1. the influence of pair route feature will be depended on the service application (being sound, image, data etc.) of the seriousness and the route characteristics of reduction.

Damage and the warning pattern that will report this feature is adopted in influence.One feature of damaging may maybe can not cause the damage of an affected correlated characteristic.For example, if an ATMsAPFeature becomes and can not utilize then nodeFeature that its is supported will cause performance reduces.(if all sAPFeature become unavailablely on this node, and this nodeFeature can not utilize).The Trail (VC or VP) of the sAPFeature termination of this damage will be affected, because can not transmit by it.This will point out for the warning of " input signal is lost ".In addition, also will be at the sPAFeature of the other end of this Trail by warning registration the accident of one " remote signaling is lost ".

The deterioration characteristic agreement

If do not satisfy any required performance objective, as being this feature agreement defined in profile, then this feature agreement is about to be damaged.Should point out, to the performance of some type, for example network performance and QOS, the target of damaging will hint that the feature of this feature agreement is damaged, and to the other types performance, for example safeguard and be provided with that the threshold values of damage will hint and can respond the management function generation problem that is used for meeting the profile target.The feature agreement that damages might be very serious, because they may cause doing the user compensation of certain form.

Under the FBS situation, fBSFA feature agreement just will be damaged if the availability index reaches, in other words, if any that be arranged, on request or 24 hours during at least 99.85% or more unavailable words.(an operating service credit arrangement should be arranged) so that in the time can not realizing availability, the user is compensated.

If satisfy the QOS target of route characteristics agreement then this agreement will damage, in other words, if a conversation has greater than 0.5% make mistakes the time, if 0.05% seriously make mistakes the time greater than this time arranged, if perhaps round-trip delay is more than or equal to 24ms.

The framework that is used for a mapping language

Need a kind of all-purpose language to come behavior relation between object in the specific characteristic agreement model.The information channel by the management level interface for example must be supported in this language for the purpose of damage characteristic management, performance monitoring and test.Utilize the details of the defined behavior relation of mapping language will be present in the profile of model.Referring to Figure 16, a kind of interpretive program of using this language can be established in inlet pipe reason function or the management information roughly.

Focus on the Features Management of damage below.

The warning of breaking down in the network and will cause to the report of affected networks feature.The availability profile that is used for this feature will comprise will see this feature as the condition that is damaged.If this feature is damaged, the report profile will stipulate which entity must notified this feature be disabled (that is its ability is unavailable).Notified entity will comprise the service FA that network FA supports, or a higher FA (that is its report FA is the FA of a subdivision).According to their availability and the condition of report in the profile, will transmit an applicability message not by these notified FA.

For the network FA of SML/NML interface, it is service impact and when FA self is damaged (for example, if surpassed the availability index) that the damage condition will be stipulated when to damage.Delivered to by network FA in the situation of the feature agreement that is affected in the message of a service impact, will be determined influence (promptly be exactly, or feature being damaged, perhaps only is that performance is affected) service features to the damage condition of affected service features.

The general rule that is used to be damaged feature is presented as follows.(symbol " and (--" mean " by--hint ").

(following constraint is applied in the simulation: a FA may only have relatedFeatures or relatedFAs, does not have both.)

·BrokenFeature(FA)＜--breakConditions(relatedFeatures[FA])＝TRUE

This rule is to say that the included feature of FA is damaged if any damage condition of feature is true.

BrokenbFeature(FA)＜--breakConditions(relatedFAs[FA])＝TRUE

Here the rule that is used for the damage condition of FA is write by BrokenFeature (FA).This implements a recursive definition in this feature level termination.

Service of can being used to of above-mentioned rule and network level both sides.In addition, for the service FA that is supported by network FA, we have:

BrokenFeature (service FA)＜--breakConditions (supportedBy[serves FA])=TRUE

This rule is to say if the damage condition of this service features is for true, and the feature of the service FA that is supported by a network FA will be damaged.This condition is taked term BrokenFeature (FA) when FA is this network enabled FA.This rule surmounts two rules at first to the service FA with supportedBy relation.

Following rule is drawn the notion that is damaged the feature agreement.

BrokenFA(FA)＜--targetBreakConditions(FA)＝TRUE

This rule is to say if do not satisfy performance objective that any contract limits then feature agreement is damaged.May only need to check the FA that is damaged of management interface, because represent actual agreement at the FA of this interface.The existence of sub-FA only is for conveniently simulating.

The mapping language must make feature damage and target damage condition and can specify with the state of composition characteristic and feature agreement.This language also must make to be that the result action that true time started can be carried out appointment when condition.

Above-mentioned rule is general and will utilize the special example of the actual damage condition of definition in application-specific.Consider that previous quilt makes different routes and connect examples (doing more detailed repetition among Figure 14).

RouteFA supports that by a connective FA-C (being feature agreement C) who makes different route regulations it is made up of a main connective FA-A and an auxiliary communication FA-B.

The rule that defines the damage condition for FA-C is:

·BrokenFeature(C)＜--BrokenFeature(A)AND?BrokenFeature(B)

Promptly be exactly to need the two feature of FA-A and FA-B to be damaged simultaneously for the feature of the impaired FA-C of desire.

For FA-A

·BrokenFeature(A)＜--BrokenFeature(D)OR?BrokenFeatrue(E)OR?BrokenFeature(F)

Promptly be exactly that if one or more (being accessing points or the connection between them) among FA-D, E or the F are damaged, the feature of FA-A will be damaged.

Utilize FA-A as one of composition of A for example,

·BrokenFeature(F)＜--Unavailable(G)OR?Unavailable(H)

Promptly be exactly, can not utilize if send or receive SAP, SAP-F just will be damaged.

In seeervice level, the damage condition that is used for route I is

·BrokenFeature(I)＜--BrokenFeature(C)

Here it is, if support the feature damage of connected network FA-C, then route characteristics just will be damaged.

Above-mentioned rule supposition one feature is to damage or do not damage.This is a kind of situation of simplification, and general, these rules can specifically be used for the seriousness of types of damage and damage.

Discuss

In above-mentioned, according to FBS and ATM having been stipulated the FA model for obtaining the suit required feature of information, profile and feature agreement classification required in the management to them.These classifications are formed for the origin or beginning of the reusable object directory of analog network and service.The more detailed details of classification still need can be registered at them certainly and make before the catalogue.Also should discern a suitable catalogue mechanism.

The administration functionality explanation

Break down in the network and will cause affected networks feature report alarm.The availability profile of this feature will contain the condition that feature is considered to damage.If feature damage, the FA of this feature indicates in the report profile and is defined as unavailable entity (that is its ability can not be utilized).Notified entity will comprise a service FA or the higher level FA (also being exactly to report that FA is the FA of its subdivision) that network FA supports.To send a unavailability message by these notified FA according to their availability and the condition in the report profile.

To the network FA of SML/NML interface, the damage condition will stipulate when this damage influence service is with when FA itself damages (for example, if surpassed the availability index).Send in the situation of a service impacting message for influenced feature agreement, will determine influence (that is, feature only be damaged still performance is affected) service features to the damage condition of this influenced service features by network FA.

Referring to Figure 15, the part expansion scheme of its expression Figure 13, will depend on following each point based on the situation of network failure in the ATM Virtual Path:

I) cable fault in the network will facilitate event report and (in this example) in the management system will influence Virtual Path feature " vPtrail " 140;

Ii) what kind of influence is the condition in " availabilith " profile 141 of reference feature agreement " ConBidSYmFA " 142 be subjected to the availability of understanding Virtual Path feature " vPtrail " 140;

Iii) with reference to " Reporting " profile 143 of " ConBidSYmFA " 142, indicate the corresponding end points of wanting notified to the feature of end points " e-eConBidSymFA " 144 that reach an agreement on;

Iv), point out the feature of this feature agreement " e-eConBidSYmFA " 144 to be damaged with reference to the condition in " availability " profile 145 of " e-eConBidSYmFA " 144;

V), indicate and want the notified service FA that is supported (i.e. " routeFA " 147) with reference to " Reporting " profile 146 of " e-eConBidSYmFA " 144;

Vi) with reference to the condition in " performance " profile 148 of " routeFA " 147, the performance of prompting feature " routeFA " 149 worsens;

Vii) with reference to " Reporting " profile 150 of " routeFA " 147, indicating should be by the alert notice user to relevant service features agreement " fBSFA " 151;

Viii) the user is notified as a result, and the performance on Ipswich to the Belfast route reduces at present.

Should point out, when network level has been received former incident, will begin failure diagnosis and repair procedures immediately.This is highly beneficial to be used to give earlier and to bother on the warning user performance, clearly provides the management information of usefulness to them, and energy

What similarly situations may/in the time of will occurring in the user and detect problem (being that routing performance reduces) and be reported to Service Management (promptly by feature agreement fBSFA151).In this case, the report transmission will be from top to bottom.

Referring to Figure 19, embodiments of the invention can also be used to provide test and management, and are illustrated as following situation:

(i) user request can be used for the test of the high recovery in user's the visit, with Ipswich as the visit place;

Feature agreement " nodeFA (Ipswich) " 191 and relevant " test " profile 192 that (ii) reference is relevant, the two common identification network enabled feature agreement " SAFA (Ips) " 193;

(iii) FA " sAFA (Ips) " 193 and relevant " test " profile 194 are supported in reference, subcharacter agreement " sAPBidSymFA (Ips1) " and " sAPBid SymFA (Ips2) " 195,196 that the two common identification will be tested;

(iv), indicate the physical testing (being the different access of 2Mbit) that requires access node with reference to " test " profile 194 of " sAFA (Ips) " 193;

(v) with reference to " test " profile 197,198, identification needs the network characterization of test, " sAPRxF (Ips1) " 199 and " sAPRxF (Ips2) " 200;

(vi) will be with identification by using the physical network parts that physical testing that above-mentioned steps 4 points out is tested with reference to network characterization 199,200;

(vii) utilization is reported the reuse family with reference to the illustrated report mechanism of Figure 15 with test result above being equivalent to.

Be to be noted that in above-mentioned situation to have the test profile 194,197,198 that is associated with FA193,195,196 among the NML, wherein two FA195,196 are the sub-FA with respect to the 3rd FA193.In the said particular condition, a visit test will be that the one group of test that is applied to feature " SaPR (Ips1) " 199 and " sAPR (Ips2) " 200 physical network parts that are associated will be identical in actual conditions.This is because in all directions that are used for the Ipswich node, no matter be towards Edinburgh or towards Belfest, access consideration is same.As above-mentioned situation under, the physical testing information of being quoted in the above-mentioned steps 4 can be stored among the test profile in high-level slightly in the data structure relevant with " SAFA (Ips) " 193.But in other situations, the test group that be applied to the physical network parts relevant with feature " sAPR (Ips1) " 199 and " sAPR (Ips2) " 200 then is inequality.In such situation, replace the physical testing information benchmark in the above-mentioned steps 4, will need by in the data structure relevant with FA " sAPBidSymFA (Ips2) " 196 and " sAPBidSymFA (Ips1) " 195 more low-level two independently test profile 197,198 and search.

Referring to Figure 17 and 18, above-mentioned functions can show with flow process Figure 170,180 more generally.This two flow process Figure 170,180 according to top with respect to Figure 15 and 19 illustrated be self-explanatory, perhaps except the said monitoring process of relevant step 171.Though a network failure may influence a feature and relevant FA thereof, this FA may not damage immediately.If it engages performance objective, for example say that these may only just be used after a specified time limit.Therefore, be preferably in and begin to monitor a unspoiled FA when a relevant feature is affected immediately.If this FA damages subsequently, this management system can be handled this damage as one " newly " incident.At this moment, this management process obviously will a rank higher than the starting point of Figure 17 begin in data structure.

Claims (27)

1, the network management system that is used for communication network, this management system constitutes according to a Network Layering model of being managed, and this management system comprises:

I) be used for respect to network and/or by the input of the triggering signal of its service that provides;

Ii) be used to respond the data processing equipment of described triggering signal visit and process information; With

Iii) be used for output with respect to the transmission signal of network and/or described service;

Wherein said data processing equipment comprises that one has the data structure of the level of feature agreement data-storing, each data-storing is used for the data in one deck retrieval definition specific features requirement of network model, to support the condition of one group of relevant operation, the operating condition of a service level agreements etc. for example.

2, according to the network management system of claim 1, wherein each feature agreement data-storing has a relevant profile data storage of organizing, at least one below reaching in two groups:

The characteristic storage of one relevant group; With

The feature agreement data-storing of one relevant group.

3, according to the network management system of one of aforementioned claim, the wherein said signal that is sent out comprises report to dominant condition in managed networks.

4, according to the network management system of one of aforementioned claim, the wherein said signal that is sent out comprises control signal at the managed networks parts.

5, according to the network management system of one of aforementioned claim, wherein the data that are included in visit in the data structure of a plurality of grades in this level of this management system respond the triggering signal that is received at an input.

6,, be used to provide fault management to managed networks according to the network management system of one of aforementioned claim.

7, according to the network management system of claim 5 and 6, wherein hierarchical mode comprises a SML and a NML at least, and comprise Trouble Report at the parts of managed networks in the triggering signal that an input is received, this management system is included in corresponding to the data in the data structure of one-level in this level of the NML of network model by visit at first and responds.

8, according to the network management system of claim 5 and 6, wherein this hierarchical mode comprises an at least one SML and a NML, and comprise one at the Trouble Report by the service that managed networks provided in the triggering signal that an input is received, this management system is included in corresponding to the data in the data structure of one-level in the level of the SML of network model by visit at first and responds.

9,, be used to provide the test and management of managed networks according to the network management system of one of aforementioned claim.

10, according to the network management system of claim 9, wherein this hierarchical mode comprises an at least one SML and a NML, and comprise to test request that in the triggering signal that an input is received this management system is included in corresponding to the data in the data structure of one-level in the level of the SML of network model by visit at first and responds by service that managed networks provides.

11,, be used to provide the performance management of a relevant managed networks according to the network management system of one of aforementioned claim.

12, according to the network management system of claim 11, wherein this hierarchical mode comprises an at least one SML and a NML, and comprise performance report to managed networks one parts in the triggering signal that an input is received, this management system is included in corresponding to the data in the data structure of one-level in the level of the NML of network model by visit at first and responds.

13, according to the network management system one of in claim 11 and 12, wherein this hierarchical mode comprises an at least one SML and a NML, and comprise performance report to the service that is provided by managed networks in the triggering signal that an input is received, this management system is included in corresponding to the data in the data structure of one-level in the level of the SML of network model by visit at first and responds.

14, according to any network management system together with claim 2 in the claim 11,12 and 13, wherein these data-storings are used as to the user by service that managed networks provides and transmit the state of the service that provides and its about the performance of a service-user contract and support the user interface management profile and the foundation of service features agreement.

15, a kind of management system of communication network is used to monitor and control the service that is provided by network, and this management system comprises:

I) be used to comprise related network and/or by the input of the triggering signal of the information of its service that provides,

Ii) data processing equipment responds described triggering signal visit and process information; With

Iii) be used to send the control of related network and/or described service and/or the output of report signal,

Wherein, this management system is provided with the data structure that comprises many stack features data of description, one manageable aspect of each group identification and explanation communication network, the rule profile that desire is associated with selected stack features data of description, each rule profile comprises about the rule by the illustrated feature of features relevant data of description group, with the associated data group that is used for the selecteed feature description data set of one or more rule profile and one or more is associated

Described data processing equipment is suitable for being come in response to a triggering signal by the rule profile of being discerned with respect to an associated data group of this stack features data of description by discerning a stack features data of description and visit, if with triggering signal in information profile or by an associated data group or by data structure when specified thus relatively, visit is the rule profile discerned by described another associated data group of another associated data group and at least, thereby makes management system can suitably respond this triggering signal.

16, according to the management system of claim 15, wherein this associated data group is configured to a hierarchical structure.

17, according to the management system of one of claim 15 and 16, wherein different separately feature description data sets is recognition network ability and service or service support feature respectively.

18, according to any management system in the claim 15 to 17, wherein at least one rule profile comprises the data about network constraint in application.

19, according to any management system in the claim 15 to 18, wherein at least one rule profile comprises the data about service constraints in application.

20, according to any management system in the claim 15 to 19, wherein a triggering signal comprises that network failure designator and this management system can give application personnel terminal to export suitable performance or Trouble Report, and for example the ISP guards against user terminal and responds.

21, according to any management system in the claim 15 to 19, wherein a triggering signal comprises service fault or fault associated indicator, and this management system can be given application personnel terminal for example ISP or user terminal respond to export suitable performance or Trouble Report.

22, according to any management system in the claim 15 to 19, wherein a triggering signal comprises a test request, and this management system can for example ISP or user terminal respond to application personnel terminal to export suitable test report.

23, a kind of method of supervisory communications is used to monitor and control the service that is provided by network, and described method comprises:

I) receiving triggering signal at an input gives being used for providing by described network the management system of service;

Ii) respond the reception of this triggering signal, visit the data structure of described management system, be used for a stack features data of description of the feature that this triggering signal may be correlated with identification;

Iii) be useful on the associated data group that one or more rule profile is related to the associated data of described feature and discern a rule profile by containing with reference to one; With

Iv) visit the rule of this profile and, these rules are used to determine the further action of management system simultaneously together with the information in the triggering signal according to the feature description data of relevant group.

24, according to the method for claim 23, wherein this further action comprise that identification one contains and be useful on another associated data group that one or more rule profile is related to the associated data of one or more additional features that the information of this triggering signal is correlated with, and visit the rule of described one or more profile and according to relevant feature description data set, with these rules together with further action triggering signal or should be used for determining management system simultaneously by its information of deriving.

25, according to the method for claim 24, wherein in the triggering signal or by the feature that the information that it is derived is confirmed as being correlated with comprise the feature relevant with network and with the service correlated characteristic.

26, according to the method for one of claim 24 or 25, wherein the rule of rule profile is also discerned another associated data group.

27,, wherein be that the link of the data structure by setting up inlet pipe reason system is discerned another associated data group according to the method for one of claim 24 or 25.

Images