T305: Digital Communications Block II – Network Management Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8

Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8 Introduction: basic aim is to discuss Network Management The various topics covered: Topic 1: Principles Of Network Management Topic 2: Managing SDH Networks Topic 3: Functional Architecture Topic 4: Management Functions And Layers Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8

Topic 1: Principles Of Network Management Telecommunications management network (TMN) : provides a framework for telecommunications management. Management of a telecommunication network facilitates a number of changes in the way telecommunication operators can view their telecommunication resource. Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8

Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8 Topic 1: Principles Of Network Management Example: management enables: remote operation of equipment, which speeds up many day-to-day activities involved in providing and maintaining services, collection of information which helps faults to be dealt with proactively (before a complete failure) rather that reactively (after the event), easier interworking of equipment from different manufacturers, a view of information in terms that abstract away from the physical detail. Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8

Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8 Topic 1: Principles Of Network Management The management view (cont.) The TMN: do not set out to establish a prescriptive and detailed way of physically implementing network management; it provides a framework: for the architecture of such a network, principles for organizing the information model, and definitions of managed object classes. Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8

Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8 Topic 1: Principles Of Network Management The managing and managed network: A telecommunication network :built up using SDH network elements. SDH network: The top layer contains four fully meshed digital cross-connects (DXC). The middle layer contains two separate sub-networks joined together in a ring configuration by using cross-connects and joined together in a linear arrangement. The bottom layer is made up from three add/drop (ADM) multiplex rings. Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8

Topic 1: Principles Of Network Management The managing and managed network: The managed network: Telecommunication SDH network Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8

Topic 1: Principles Of Network Management The managing and managed network (cont.) The telecommunications management network (TMN) is separated from the telecommunication network. Fig. Telecommunications management network Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8

Topic 1: Principles Of Network Management The managing and managed network (cont.) The two networks are connected together? For the TMN to be able to manage the telecommunication network it must have access to information contained within each network element it manages. Managing the multiplexer telecommunication network Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8

Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8 Topic 1: Principles Of Network Management The managing and managed network (cont.) This information is accessed through an agent, which resides in the network element and views each network element as a set of managed objects. Not all elements in the telecommunication network have agents, because some are only managed via other elements, Fig. Manager and ADM Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8

Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8 Topic 1: Principles Of Network Management The managing and managed network (cont.) The ADM is part of the telecommunication network; its function (in this case) is to drop a VC-12 from one STM-1 path on to another. VC-12 comes in on port 1 and exits on port 4. Add/drop Multiplexer. Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8

Topic 1: Principles Of Network Management The managing and managed network (cont.) the ADM handles all the timing extraction, pointer decoding and framing associated with multiplexing and all the coding functions associated with receiving and transmitting to line. In a TMN the manager is part of a computer program and not a person. Fig. The relationship between the ADM and the manager Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8

Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8 Topic 1: Principles Of Network Management The managing and managed network: The manager controls the operation of the ADM via an agent. The manager can send operations to the agent, and the ADM can make requests of the manager through the agent. Example: If a VC-12 is to be dropped at the ADM, the manager will command the ADM to make the necessary connections, and the ADM will make the connection. the agent acts as converting the ‘object’ language of the TMN into signals that can be understood by the multiplexer. Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8

Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8 Introduction: basic aim is to discuss Network Management The various topics covered: Topic 1: Principles Of Network Management Topic 2: Managing SDH Networks Topic 3: Functional Architecture Topic 4: Management Functions And Layers Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8

Topic 2: Managing SDH Networks Self-healing ring Self-healing ring Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8

Topic 2: Managing SDH Networks (cont.) Ring management In a real network a sub-network could be used to connect a group of local towns. to the wider telecommunication communication paths between each of the five nodes Local access to the ring will be provided using add/drop principles at each node. Fig. ADM ring. Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8

Topic 2: Managing SDH Networks (cont.) Ring management (cont.) In management terms all the stages that are necessary in deciding where, when and how a ring should be installed can be classed as planning process. planning process: where, when and how a ring should be installed Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8

Topic 2: Managing SDH Networks (cont.) Ring management (cont.) SDH equipment:  possible to configure an ADM to provide interfaces for the range of containers that can be supported by SDH. Need for keeping precise records of how each ADM is configured. In management such records are called configuration information. Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8

Topic 2: Managing SDH Networks (cont.) Ring management (cont.) same ADM ring with a configuration record held at each node. This record-keeping arrangement is not one that is envisaged for SDH configuration records within the ring need to be managed with a single view Fig. Configuration records each node has separate configuration records Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8

Topic 2: Managing SDH Networks (cont.) Ring management (cont.) two alternative ways of connecting the network manager to each of the ADMs dedicated data network: independent of the managed network an embedded data channel (DCC) Fig. Alternative data channel connections Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8

Topic 2: Managing SDH Networks (cont.) Ring management (cont.) The ring manager has the capability to look at all of the configuration tables use this information to determine where spare capacity exists in the network. It can then set up new paths in the network by sending switching instructions to initiate add/drop or cross connect actions: this is part of the configuration management process Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8

Topic 2: Managing SDH Networks (cont.) Ring management (cont.) Maintenance actions include: remote interrogation of the multiplexers either side of the fibre break and dispatching technicians to carry out on-site repairs. Maintenance is another example of a management action which is often incorporated in the performance management process. Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8

Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8 Introduction: basic aim is to discuss Network Management The various topics covered: Topic 1: Principles Of Network Management Topic 2: Managing SDH Networks Topic 3: Functional Architecture Topic 4: Management Functions And Layers Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8

Topic 3: Functional Architecture Management networks In TMN: Element: an item of telecommunication equipment Network elements (NE): elements that are managed by the TMN Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8

Topic 3: Functional Architecture (cont.) Management networks (cont.) NE: marks the boundary between the telecommunication network and the management network, between what is managed and what is doing the management. The boundary Fig. Boundary between the TMN and the telecommunication network. Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8

Topic 3: Functional Architecture (cont.) Management networks (cont.) The aim of the TMN: provide a definition of how management information is organized. TMN is an open architecture: Designed to allow elements from different manufacturers to be connected to the same management system and management systems to be interconnected with other management systems. Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8

Topic 3: Functional Architecture (cont.) Functional blocks: Functional blocks provide a general architecture for the transport of management data within the TMN so allowing it to perform the management functions. The functional architecture is defined in terms of functional blocks. Functional blocks separate out the functions that are necessary for the management network to communicate with the telecommunication network. Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8

Topic 3: Functional Architecture (cont.) Functional blocks (cont.) The minimum functions necessary to manage a simple network: the workstation function (WSF): provides a graphical user interface (GUI) to the operator. the operations system function (OSF): resides in software in a computer the network element function (NEF): implemented in one of the add/drop multiplexers in the ring Fig. Functions in an SDH ring. Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8

Topic 3: Functional Architecture (cont.) Functional blocks (cont.) Interconnection A TMN functional block associated reference points TMN functional architecture: Two separate management networks Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8

Topic 3: Functional Architecture (cont.) Functional blocks (cont.) Interconnection A TMN functional block associated reference points Mediation function (MF) blocks Q adaptor function TMN functional architecture: Two separate management networks Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8

Topic 3: Functional Architecture (cont.) Functional blocks (cont.) The (OSF) and the (MF) blocks: are wholly within the boundary of the TMN. The (WSF), (NEF) and (QAF) blocks all sit on the boundary of the TMN and the telecommunication network. Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8

Topic 3: Functional Architecture (cont.) Network element function (NEF) block The NEF block: provides a home within the telecommunication network for the agent The agent will manage the network element. NEF: provides activities to the TMN in a format defined by the information model and communicates operations from the manager to the network element. NEF block activities: switching, alarm notification and performance The NEF effectively provides the communication boundary between the management and telecommunication networks. Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8

Topic 3: Functional Architecture (cont.) Workstation function (WSF) block The WSF block: will convert TMN information into a format that can be easily understood by the user – perhaps a familiar windows format, for example. In the opposite direction, it will convert user input into a form usable by the TMN. The (WSF) sits across the TMN boundary the detail of exactly how information is presented to a user can be separated from the content of the information to be presented, it is left to individual operators to implement their user interface. Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8

Topic 3: Functional Architecture (cont.) Q adaptor function (QAF) block The QAF block is used to translate proprietary information into a TMN format. Operations system function (OSF) block The OSF block processes the information collected through the other blocks. Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8

Topic 3: Functional Architecture (cont.) Mediation function (MF) block Data passing between an operations system function and network element function (or Q adaptor function) may need to be mediated or changed in some way which does not alter the information contained. The MF block carries out mediation functions that include adaptation, filtering and storage. Reference points Reference points define the boundary between management function blocks and functions outside the TMN. It is at the reference points that the information passing between two blocks can be defined. Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8

Topic 3: Functional Architecture (cont.) Physical architecture of the TMN: follows very closely the organization of the functional architecture. equivalent physical blocks can be found for each of the functional blocks each of the reference points is replaced with an interface. Data Communication Network Interfaces TMN physical Architecture. Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8

Topic 3: Functional Architecture (cont.) Physical architecture of the TMN : The definition of interfaces and the DCN enable details of how data is transferred within the TMN to be defined. Data Communication Network Interfaces TMN physical Architecture. Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8

Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8 Introduction: basic aim is to discuss Network Management The various topics covered: Topic 1: Principles Of Network Management Topic 2: Managing SDH Networks Topic 3: Functional Architecture Topic 4: Management Functions And Layers Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8

Topic 4: Management Functions And Layers The vertical separation of management functions represents the idea that each manager is responsible for all the activities that relate to its function, at any level of abstraction The management domain/ management Functions. Main components of the functional architecture Vertical slices Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8

Topic 4: Management Functions And Layers 2. Receive specific requests for service Translate requests then initiate actions 1.Balance demand and resource 3. monitor network elements to detect alarms and other performance indicators defined in the information model. 5. collects data for charging and billing. Collected data: time of day and utilized bandwidth 4. To guarantee the integrity of data. The management domain/ management Functions. Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8

Topic 4: Management Functions And Layers Management layers The ITU standards have identified four layers the management layers cut across the operations system function and the network element function. The important thing to note is that the layers divide the management domain horizontally. Managing more than one NE. Actions affecting a group of elements May/may not process some data before passing it. Ex: major alarms Functional management layers Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8

Topic 4: Management Functions And Layers Management layers Provision of services. quality of service and service contracts. Managing more than one NE. Actions affecting a group of elements May/may not process some data before passing it. Ex: major alarms Functional management layers Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8

Topic 4: Management Functions And Layers Management layers BML: takes a network-wide and strategic view meeting the business goals Strategic goals: maximizing utilization, meeting performance targets, minimizing the costs of running the network, and efficiently managing the interconnection with other managed networks Functional management layers Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8

Topic 4: Management Functions And Layers Management layers (cont.) the vertical and horizontal separations meshed together in a matrix to provide management services A dot indicates that an aspect of that management function is handled at that layer Management services performance management is handled at the service and network management layers Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8

Topic 4: Management Functions And Layers Management layers (cont.) The object of dividing management services into two different dimensions is to help organize the TMN by breaking down the problem – or problem space as it is sometimes called – into manageable chunks. Arab Open University-Lebanon Tutorial 8