Hybrid network management

Abstract

To support the phenomenal growth in data bandwidth demand in carrier networks, synchronous optical network (SONET) and synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH) products are increasingly being given data interfaces. In addition, data products are providing SONET, SDH, and optical networking (ON) interfaces. These hybrid network elements, providing both data and optical transport, are being asked to deliver bandwidth and service enhancements more rapidly than ever before. Consequently, carriers need management tools to enable them to deploy new equipment and services expeditiously. Traditional optical network management systems and data network management systems address different needs, use different tools and protocols, and have different operations philosophies. To enable integration of data and transmission management and provide a scalable solution, management platforms for hybrid networks will use Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA∗), develop management packages that can be distributed over a variety of management hardware, and use standard information models and protocols. These techniques will also enable multivendor network management solutions and encourage the use of third-party management applications.