Customer network management and ATM networks

Customer network management systems have traditionally provided limited access to carrier network data and some control of the leased portion of the customer´s corporate network. These systems have typically been single service offerings. This paper looks at the needs for extra functionality in customer network management systems now that multiservice asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) networks are available. The corporate network manager´s viewpoint provides an insight into what this functionality is. The carrier´s viewpoint exposes some of the difficulties and constraints on CNM system solutions. The paper looks at how these issues can be addressed and identifies factors influencing the development of a new generation of CNM system solutions. Finally some details of an ATM CNM system delivered by CiTR, as part of an ATM NMS are provided, together with a overview of the tools used in its development