TMN X-interface studies and experiments for ATM

This paper gives an overview on the interface between management systems (Operation Support Systems-OSSs) belonging to different domains (i.e. Telecommunications Network Operators or Carriers). In the ITU-T recommendations, the TMN (Telecommunications Management Network) definition of this management interface is known as the X-Interface. There are five main areas in which management interactions need to take place between such management systems in order to effectively manage the underlying network resources, i.e. Configuration, Fault, Performance, Accounting and Security. The underlying managed network considered is a cross-connected ATM network spanning across domain boundaries. For the management of such inter-domain networks two specifications have been recently standardized by the ETSI, covering configuration and fault management areas. Further studies are being done in Europe to address the remaining areas such as performance, accounting and security. Both the existing standards and the studies which are currently addressed by the EURESCOM project P708 are presented in this paper, with emphasis on issues and solutions related to performance management. Accounting management and security of the TMN X-Interface are also activities being pursued in the project