A network and services integrated management system prototype

An experimental research prototype of a management system with the integrated network and service management functions needed to explore new broadband services that may be offered by a future exchange network is described. The system uses a data communication service to interconnect a variety of service and network management entities, forming a hierarchical structure. A multiplicity of processes perform different functions, such as user administrator, customer administrator, service administrator, network administrator, and local agent controlling a network element. The management system prototype, controlling traffic on an experimental high-speed dual-bus access network with features similar to IEEE 802.6, ATM (asynchronous transfer mode), and SONET (Synchronous Optical Network) standards, is used in the laboratory to demonstrate new service concepts involving LAN bridging, data internetworking, packet voice, adaptable-bit-rate video codecs, and metropolitan area network equipment