ATM network simulation support for TMN systems

Abstract

RACE Project R2059 ICM is developing cell rate ATM network simulators for use in the development and testing of a generic Telecommunications Management Network (TMN) test bed. The simulator is used as a substitute for a physical ATM network and enables the TMN to be tested in a controlled environment before interfacing with the real network. The simulator is able to provide a number of major enhancements over current ATM networks enabling more extensive and thorough evaluation of the TMN. This paper describes the functionality of the simulator and the underlying modelling principles. It emphasises the interaction of the simulator with the TMN system and the facilities of the simulation models to aid this interaction. The paper shows how the simulator is being used to model a Virtual Private Network for the final ICM case study, in particular concentrating on the use of generic reusable components (User, Call Handler and Switch models) for simulating additional entities such as the Customer Premises Network, the Interworking Unit, and the Gateway between two ATM networks.