Management of optical networks: SNMP agents enabling TMN

Abstract

With the advent of Optical Networks, an important opportunity for the application of Telecommunication Management Network (TMN) framework emerges. At present, most such networks have small or no management capabilities and are characterised by lack of computational resources. Instead of introducing interim proprietary management facilities, the Internet SNMP model is particularly suited for providing low cost agents with minimal resources, based on personal computer technology; this is the approach adopted by RACE ICM and COBRA projects for managing the later's Passive Optical Network. Such Management interfaces can be automatically converted to standard TMN Qx/Q3 ones through suitable infrastructure as developed by the ICM project. This paper discusses the suitability of a phased approach towards full TMN, proposing an inexpensive SNMP based platform for element agents and explaining the issues behind the automatic conversion to standard TMN interfaces that will retain the initial investment.