Generic Integrated Maintenance Interface for Network Elements

JESSE A. BAYER, DAVID J. GRANFORS, MEMBER, IEEE, AND ROBERT T. LEWIS

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Abstract-

Many suppliers are offering new processor-controlled network
elements with enhanced capabilities. Development of interfaces
to these network elements provides the opportunity for users and remote
Operations Systems to access these enhanced capabilities. When
these interfaces are designed to encompass an entire class of equipment
and be independent of the specific supplier, they are most effective and
economical. A description is provided of a generic interface specification
that could be used as a common definition for network element
maintenance functions. This paper describes the process of developing
a generic interface specification, including the definition of supported
functions, the description of the protocol and language used, and the
detailed enumeration of the message specifications to support these
functions. Generic interfaces provide economic advantages in software
development, training, and opportunities for simplification of human
interfaces for remote interaction with the intelligent network element.
A specific case examined in this paper is the set of messages that have
been developed for system maintenance of network elements (NE) including
digital loop carrier, digital terminal and cross-connect equipment,
digital multiplexing and line terminating equipment, digital
switching equipment, common channel signaling systems, supervisory
systems, environmental monitors, and network timing elements.

http://ieeexplore.ieeeiel1/49/118/000019...umber=1938