A system for automatically configuring server daemons in a client-server network for delivering services to a client is provided. The system comprises an interactive server in communication with a database server. The interactive server runs a server daemon to make a service available to a client. The server daemon is programmed to automatically locate, configure and edit predetermined system configuration files located in the interactive server, relative to account information associated with the client. The database server releasably retains the account information, and has a task program to generate executable and transferable tasks for use in configuring the predetermined system files. The client communicates with the interactive server through an external communications switch using a controller. The controller enables the client to selectably add, remove, or modify the services available from the server daemon by manipulating the account information.

Method and system for automatically configuring a client-server network

The intelligent peripheral (IP) is one of the most important components of the advanced intelligent network (AIN) infrastructure for implementing new network based services that cannot be easily provided by the traditional switching elements Bellcore has developed requirements for the IP interface in document TA-NWT-001129; this document recommends that all the IP-SCP communication be routed through the service switching point (SSP) This IP interface recommendation is unnecessarily expensive in terms of SSP central processing unit (CPU) resources as every message exchanged between the SCP and the IP is translated by the SSP Furthermore, the Bellcore recommended interface will not be available for a few more years from the major switching vendors This may delay the deployment of AIN services leading the customers to seek other competing technologies In GTEs AIN testbed we have implemented direct control of the IP from the service control point (SCP) as an alternative to Bellcore IP interface, and in our experience, this interface definitely proves a worthy alternative The paper gives an overview of alternative TP configurations and how they are used in services such as UPT registration and out-call A brief qualitative comparison of the Bellcore recommended architecture and the direct IP-SCP interface and a hybrid interface is presented >

http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/iel2/3056/8676/00383081.pdf

Exploring intelligent peripheral configurations

To support the North Carolina Information Highway network and its services, GTE has developed new capabilities for the integrated management of broadband networks. These include: functionally integrated network management, enabling GTE to monitor and control ATM, SONET, and other related networks in real time, these capabilities are provided by the TelOps Network Integrated Control System (TONICS); and automated service management, enabling GTE to provide service-level configuration and fault management for new broadband services, these capabilities are provided by the broadband service management system (BSMS). Together, TONICS and BSMS provide a complete and integrated solution for managing broadband networks such as the NCIH. >

Integrated network and service management for the NCIH

The authors provide an update on the intelligent network (IN) testbed under development by GTE, discuss their experiences in prototyping INs, and present some plans for the testbed. The testbed includes prototypes of AIN switch capabilities (on a GTD-5/sup 1/ EAX switching system), service logic execution environment, service creation environment, intelligent peripheral, and m-specific operations support systems. The testbed, originally based on the advanced intelligent network (AIN) release 1 architecture, as proposed by Bellcore, has evolved with the industry and is maintaining compatibility with AIN releases 0.1 and 0.2. Nonetheless, as the call model implemented in the first phase of testbed development represented a substantial subset of the AM release 1 call model, the testbed provides richer functionality, particularly for mid-call services, than other flavors of INs under consideration by the industry. >

http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/iel2/1047/7666/00318398.pdf

Experiences in prototyping the intelligent network

A key motivation for the intelligent network (IN) is rapid service development. IN services are implemented by exchanging protocol messages and data between network elements. Services must be specified in unambiguous detail without limiting flexibility for modification and customization. The service specification process interacts with many service development functions. A 3-level service specification methodology was developed and used successfully in the GTE IN Testbed to specify services. The methodology combines text, graphics, and finite state descriptions into a coherent set of specifications in increasing detail. Tools were developed to manage the specification process and facilitate the stabilization, derivation, validation, and presentation of information.

https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/iel2/3878/11301/00512858.pdf

Methodology and tools for intelligent network service specification

The key to the successful operation of INs is the existence of adequate operations support systems allowing for rapid deployment of new services, making them available to customers and allowing for their rapid customization and modification. The paper describes the design and functionality of the prototype service management system (SMS) developed for phase 1 of the GTE intelligent network (IN) testbed. Phase I SMS prototypes full service negotiation and management and memory administration. It provides a flow through process, fully automating the provisioning process from customer contact to service activation, with automatic error recovery capabilities. The SMS supports a flexible distributed architecture. >

C. Jack

Papers

A prototype of a service management system for the intelligent network