A Reference Architecture for Telecommunications Operations Applications [Vol. 1, No. 3, 1993]

A Reference Architecture for Telecommunications Operations Applications

E. C. Anderson
Network Operations Architecture Group
Bell Communications Research
Room NVC 5P456
100 Schultz Drive
Red Bank, New Jersey 07701

N. Natarajan
Bell Communications Research
Room NVC 1A233
331 Newman Springs Road
Red Bank, New Jersey 07701
Email: nat_AT_cc.bellcore.com

Abstract
The emerging multi-layer functional model for network operations decomposes management functions into several layers: Service Management Layer, Network Management Layer, Element Management Layer, and Element Layer. To realize the full benefits of this functional distribution, a reference architecture for operations applications is needed. This architecture should enable flexible placement of functions in computing systems or nodes, enable hiding of the complexities of distribution from applications, and prescribe principles for the specification of application interfaces to facilitate application interoperability. This paper describes such a framework architecture. In this framework, applications are deployed in software units called building blocks, each of which is independently installed and administered. Building blocks interact via interfaces called contracts. A contract is an 'open' interface that is specified according to some principles, such as adherence to standard communication paradigms, separation of engineering aspects from functional aspects, and support for previous interface versions. The infrastructure, called the Distributed Processing Environment (DPE), provides communication and security services that enable building blocks to interact via contracts. The DPE provides access and location transparency to applications. The paper presents details of this architecture framework and an example to illustrate specification of contracts for network management functions.

Keywords: Application interoperability; building block; contract; distributed operations applications; distribution processing environment; network management; network operations.

JNSM: Vol. 1, No. 3, 1993 A Reference Architecture for Telecommunications Operations Applications [Vol. 1, No. 3, 1993]

NOTE: only abstract of paper available on-line

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