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Telecommunication service providers have to operate and manage large multivendor networks. What they need are practical, customized solutions that consider the specific structures and requirements of the individual telecom system.
The various network elements have to be integrated into a global solution, making maximum use of existing equipment, identifying and eliminating weaknesses, and adapting the system's architecture in terms of control and operation to the requirements of the organization. A network management solution is only future-proof if it can keep pace with changing needs regarding network complexity and management functions.
MULTIVENDOR INTEGRATION
As the world moves towards more open communication systems through the development of open systems interconnection, the international standards organizations have taken on the field of network management. In the interest of greater efficiency, telecommunications organizations have worked on central network management concepts that can link telecom equipment and their management systems via standardized interfaces.
The CCITT M.30 recommendation, describing a telecommunications management network (TMN), is attracting a great deal of attention in Europe, and many efforts are being geared towards it. However, firm recommendations may not be expected until 1992 at the earliest.
NETWORK TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
Ongoing deregulation processes lead to strong competition between many service providers. There are high-growth rates of cellular networks and intelligent network-related services. Existing POTS networks are being modernized, and ISDN is being introduced. Telephone networks have had to become more efficient, but at the same time they are becoming more sensitive to traffic jams and overloading. Traffic managers are faced with more traffic and less predictable traffic patterns.
Real-time network traffic management (NTM) is needed to optimize call-carrying capacity during periods of stress and when there is an overload or failure condition on the network. NTM helps to maintain service quality and leads to an optimal usage of network resources and increased revenues.
Most of the services use national common channel signalling (CCS 7) networks and fully depend upon it. These networks are a critical integration and infrastructure resource. The integrity of services will depend on available capacity, integrity, and reliability of the CCS 7...