Showing papers on "Network management published in 1993"

Alarm correlation

Abstract: The authors discuss the development of an alarm correlation model and a corresponding software support system that allow efficient specification of alarm correlation by the domain experts themselves. Emphasis is placed on the end-user orientation of IMPACT, the intelligent management platform for alarm correlation tasks which implements the proposed model. The desire was to lower the barrier between the network management application development process and the end user of the application, the network management personnel. IMPACT is a step towards this goal. The proposed alarm correlation model was used for three purposes: intelligent alarm filtering, alarm generalization and fault diagnosis. >

Policy hierarchies for distributed systems management

Abstract: Distributed system management, involves monitoring the activity of a system, making management decisions and performing control actions to modify the behavior of the system. Most of the research on management has concentrated on management mechanisms related to network management or operating systems. However, in order to automate the management of very large distributed systems, it is necessary to be able to represent and manipulate management policy within the system. These objectives are typically set out in the form of general policies which require detailed interpretation by the system managers. The paper explores the refinement of general high-level policies into a number of more specific policies to form a policy hierarchy in which each policy in the hierarchy represents, to its maker, his plans to meet his objectives and, to its subject, the objectives which he must plan to meet. Management action policies are introduced, and the distinction between imperatival and authority policies is made. The relationship of hierarchies of imperatival policies to responsibility, and to authority policies, is discussed. An outline approach to the provision of automated support for the analysis of policy hierarchies is provided, by means of a more formal definition of policy hierarchy refinement relationships in Prolog. >

SNMP, SNMPv2, and CMIP: the practical guide to network management

Abstract: A comprehensive introduction to network-management standards. Part I is a survey of network-management technology and techniques. Part II presents the SNMP family of standards, including SNMP itself, secure SNMP, and SNMPv2. An important enhancement of SNMP, known as RMON (remote monitoring) is also

Snmp, Snmpv2, and Cmip: The Practical Guide to Network-Management Standards

Abstract: A comprehensive introduction to network-management standards. Part I is a survey of network-management technology and techniques. Part II presents the SNMP family of standards, including SNMP itself, secure SNMP, and SNMPv2. An important enhancement of SNMP, known as RMON (remote monitoring) is also

Network Management: A Practical Perspective

Abstract: How do you effectively manage today's complex computer networks? Network Management provides system managers with complete yet accessible answers to that question This edition continues to explore the information available and provides the insight and knowledge needed to evaluate network management tools and applications

The OSI network management model

Abstract: Management systems are responsible for monitoring, interpreting, and controlling network operations. Management platform workstations query device data, or obtain event modifications through management protocols. The management platform supports tools to display the data graphically, interpret it, and control operations. It is argued that the main challenge of management standardization is to develop conventions to support integrated management of heterogeneous networks. Platform-centered management requires a few standards. First, access by platforms to multivendor devices must be unified through a standard management protocol. Second, the structure of the agent's management databases, manipulated by the protocol, must be standardized. Together, these standards permit a platform to access and manipulate managed information at multivendor device agents. The OSI and Internet management models developed to standardize both areas are discussed. >

Designing a practical ATM LAN

Abstract: The adaptor cards and driver software for workstations and local asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) switches and switch control software used in an ATM local area network (LAN) system are discussed. It is shown that the ATM hardware and software components together provide services that are essential for ATM to be considered a realistic alternative to current shared-media LANs. These services include: completely transparent support for the TCP/IP protocol suite, an application programming interface for full access to the underlying ATM capabilities, support for AAL5, AAL3/4, and the null AAL, both connection-oriented and connectionless service, dynamic connection establishment or switched virtual circuits, resource reservation of guaranteed bandwidth and quality of service, full-bandwidth multicast and broadcast, virtual path and channel routing among multiple switches, automatic configuration and failure recovery, dynamic address assignment and internetwork address resolution, and network management via the simple network management protocol (SNMP). >

Introduction to version 2 of the Internet-standard Network Management Framework

Abstract: The purpose of this document is to provide an overview of version 2 of the Internet-standard Network Management Framework, termed the SNMP version 2 framework (SNMPv2). [STANDARDS-TRACK]

Alarm filter in an expert system for communications network

Abstract: An Expert System 10 for providing diagnostics to a data communications network 5. Alarms from a Network Manager 24 are received and queued by an Event Manager 117 and then filtered by an Alarm Filter 118 to remove redundant alarms. Alarms which are ready for processing are then posted to a queue referred to as a Bulletin Board 120. A Controller 112 determines which one of the posted goals has the highest priority by considering a priority number associated with the goal plus a time of arrival of the goal. An Inference Engine 122 uses information from an Expert Information Structure 111 to solve the highest priority goal by a process called instantiation.

Apparatus and method of token ring beacon station removal for a communication network

Abstract: A network process that automatically identifies and isolates a faulty station or group of stations within a token ring communication network in a timely manner. The present invention performs three different and separate processing strategies to identify and isolate faulty stations and or groups of stations within a token ring communication network. The processing of the present invention is accomplished simultaneously within the network management modules of each concentrator within the overall communication network. Upon receipt of beacon signals indicating a faulty station in the network, the present invention directs the NMM to isolate newly inserted stations or modules. If this is not successful then the present invention attempts a direct removal process if port address association data is present. If no port address association data is present then a brute force process is performed to identify and isolate the station or module that is generating a communication fault within the token ring network.

FLIP: an internetwork protocol for supporting distributed systems

Abstract: Most modern network protocols give adequate support for traditional applications such as file transfer and remote login. Distributed applications, however, have different requirements (e.g., efficient at-most-once remote procedure call even in the face of processor failures). Instead of using ad hoc protocols to meet each of the new requirements, we have designed a new protocol, called the Fast Local Internet Protocol (FLIP), that provides a clean and simple integrated approach to these new requirements. FLIP is an unreliable message protocol that provides both point-to-point communication and multicast communication, and requires almost no network management. Furthermore, by using FLIP we have simplified higher-level protocols such as remote procedure call and group communication, and enhanced support for process migration and security. A prototype implementation of FLIP has been built as part of the new kernel for the Amoeba distributed operating system, and is in daily use. Measurements of its performance are presented.

Network management system

Abstract: The invention relates to a network management system for configurating and reading data and states of several network elements, such as telephone exchanges, of a telecommunication network by giving the network elements commands according to their internal command language when at least some of the network elements of the telecommunication network have mutually different internal command languages. The network management system of the invention comprises memory means (25) for storing parameters describing the command language of each network element, means for generating service requests (Rq) in a network element independent format, conversion means (21, 22, 23) for converting said network element independent service requests into commands according to the command language of the network element which is the target of service by means of parameters describing the command language of said network element, and means for sending the generated commands to the network element which is the target of service. The network management updates the parameter files automatically by giving the network elements a specific command which reads the internal data structures, such as syntactic, semantic and user help data, of any other internal command or command response of the network element.

Network management operation system and network management operation method

Abstract: In a network management operation system connected via a communication line to a network having a plurality of object instances to be managed, the management information database stores management information of the containment relationship between object instances in the form of table. When an operator designates some object instances and enters a control command for the designated object instances, the management information of the designated object instances is retrieved from the management information database and a containment tree (management information having a containment structure) corresponding to the containment relationship between the designated object instances is generated, respectively within the network management operation system. In accordance with the generated containment tree, a scope pattern of Common Management Information Service (CMIS) of Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) is automatically generated.

Extending trouble ticket systems to fault diagnostics

Abstract: Network management in large heterogeneous communication environments requires the incorporation of more advanced tools than are currently available, especially in the area of fault management. By providing an informational infrastructure for documenting network behavior and maintenance activities, TTSs (trouble ticket systems) have provided some relief for the fault management problem. Researchers have recognized TTSs as a means for realizing more advanced functions in network management platforms to effect automatic trouble ticket generation, fault diagnostics, and the correlation of multiple views network problems and behavior. The authors describe current research trends towards understanding and implementing these advanced functions in a TTS framework. >

Network management of special service calls

Abstract: In a telecommunication network, a DATA ACCESS POINT (DAP) database is used to route traffic between originating calling stations and terminating called stations for special service processing calls. The traffic or routing data are collected and converted by a traffic statistics processor into statistics data. The statistics data are provided to the management of the network. Some of the statistics data are converted by an INTEGRATED NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (INMS) compiler processor into reports which may be provided to subscribers of the special call processing service in real time or on a delay basis. If a subscriber has subscribed to the special call processing service on a real time basis, he can update certain parameters of the database to reallocate the percentage of calls to be directed to the different called station staffed by his operators. All of the statistics data are fed to the network management which can update both the parameters in the database and those in the traffic statistics processor to thereby control the traffic data flow throughout the network. This ability to control the data traffic flow within the network allows the network management to implement effective traffic controls, as for example rerouting or blocking calls to certain subscribers who cause a congestion at a certain network switch to prevent other subscribers at that network switch from being affected by such congestion.

Management of packet transmission networks

Abstract: A network management system monitors and controls a frame relay network using management information transmitted directly or across the frame relay network itself in network management services vectors intended for the sole purpose of transmitting network management information to the network management system. Newly defined network management major vector formats are used to transmit detailed information concerning both the status of the various virtual circuit segments in the network and the configuration of the switched connections between those segments to form virtual circuits through the network for communication between users of the network. More particularly, status bits are defined to indicate that data links nodes are not supported by adjacent nodes of the network, and status bits to indicate likely physical failures in the hardware used to realize the data links, or logical faults involved in inconsistent indications from adjacent nodes. This status and configuration data is used, in turn, at the network management system to control the network, to diagnose problems, and to effect failure recovery procedures.

SNMP: A Guide to Network Management

Abstract: From the Publisher: Simplify SNMP Network Management. When you need reliable answers for tough SNMP-related problems,SNMP: A Guide to Network Management,by Dr. Sidnie Feit,is your instant troubleshooter. AppleTalk LAN users can't sign on to your DC Ethernet? MVS applications "choke" on data sent from a Token-ring network? Designing a hot new enterprise network that uses SNMP,but having problems establishing a seamless and reliable line? This no-nonsense tool helps you solve all of these common problems and dozens more. It walks you through the specific data SNMP retrieves from major interfaces to help you handle everything from TCP/IP,Ethernet and Token-Ring LANs to FDDI,serial point-to-point and much more.

MANDATE: managing networks using database technology

Abstract: There has been a growing demand for the development of tools to manage enterprise communication networks. A management information database is the heart of a network management system-it provides the interface between all functions of the network management system and, therefore, has to provide sophisticated functionality allied with high performance. The authors introduce the design of MANDATE (MAnaging Networks using DAtabase TEchnology), a proposed database system for effectively supporting the management of large enterprise networks. The MANDATE design makes a conscious attempt to take advantage of the special characteristics of network data and transactions, and of advances in database technology, to efficiently derive some of the required management functionality. >

Administrative Model for version 2 of the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMPv2)

Abstract: It is the purpose of this document, the Administrative Model for SNMPv2, to define how the administrative framework is applied to realize effective network management in a variety of configurations and environments. [STANDARDS-TRACK]

Fremont: A System for Discovering Network Characteristics and Problems

Abstract: In this paper we present an architecture and prototype implementation for discovering key network characteristics, such as hosts, gateways, and topology. The Fremont system uses an extensible set of modules to discover information, based on a variety of different protocols and information sources, rather than a single network management protocol. This approach allows more complete and timely information to be discovered than, for example, using only one protocol, even one as capable as the Simple Network Management Protocol. The discovered information is time-stamped and recorded in a database. The contents of this database are cross-correlated to form an increasingly complete network picture, to direct further discovery, and to highlight inconsistent information.

Coexistence between version 1 and version 2 of the Internet-standard Network Management Framework

Abstract: The purpose of this document is to describe coexistence between version 2 of the Internet-standard Network Management Framework [1-6], termed the SNMP version 2 framework (SNMPv2), and the original Internet- standard Network Management Framework (SNMPv1). [STANDARDS- TRACK]

Semi-automatic mode of network design

Abstract: An Expert System 10 for providing diagnostics to a data communications network 5. Alarms from a Network Manager 24 are received and queued by an Event Manager 117 and then filtered by an Alarm Filter 118 to remove redundant alarms. Alarms which are ready for processing are then posted to a queue referred to as a Bulletin Board 120. A Controller 112 determines which one of the posted goals has the highest priority by considering a priority number associated with the goal plus a time of arrival of the goal. An Inference Engine 122 uses information from an Expert Information Structure 111 to solve the highest priority goal by a process called instantiation. The process of solving the goal may be interrupted by a pause or suspension in order to perform tests under the direction of a Network Test Manager 124 or retrieve other information during which time other goals may be processed. Expert information is entered using a user friendly User Interface 104 which reduces need for the participation of a Knowledge Engineer. Configuration information about the network is maintained in a Network Structure Knowledge Base 109 by a Network Configuration Module 108. The Expert System 10 may operate in any of three modes: manual, wherein tests must be approved by or directed by an operator; automatic, where tests are run automatically without operator intervention; and semiautomatic, where operator approval is required for certain tests such as interruptive tests and other tests such as non-interruptive tests may proceed without operator intervention.

Distributed computing and client-server systems

Abstract: 1. Introduction and Overview of Distributed Computing 2. Communications Network Technologies 3. Network Architectures and Network Interconnectivity 4. Network Management 5. Client-Server Systems and Application Interconnectivity 6. Distributed Data and Transaction Management 7. Distributed Operating Systems and Distributed Computing Platforms 8. Distributed Applications and Application Downsizing/Rightsizing 9. Open Systems: Interoperability, Portability, and Integration Standards 10. Management and Support Considerations Appendices

Structure follows strategy.

Abstract: Establishing the framework for an integrated health network is just one step in a complex process. Those building networks soon realize the skills requirements for network senior management differ from those for senior management in freestanding hospitals. So who will be on the new network management team? Experts say the answer depends on a variety of factors.

Method and apparatus for the monitoring and demarcation of synchronous optical networks

Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing an intelligent demarcation between facility and terminal segments of a synchronous optical network. Network management information contained with the overhead structure of the synchronous optical network signal is extracted and manipulated in accordance with a predetermined user specification; overhead data may be translated, terminated, or passed unaltered as required. Overhead processing towards the facility and terminal segments need not be symmetrical. Payload information is passed unaltered although future provisions for encrypting payload data exist. Full performance monitoring is supported along with a built-in-test and diagnostic capability. The device may be both locally and remotely controlled and monitored. Remote control is implemented via the overhead information contained within the synchronous optical network signal.

Performance modeling and management of high-speed networks

Abstract: High transmission speeds, increased burstiness of traffic, and statistical multiplexing of traffic render traditional approaches to network management and control ineffective. This thesis develops the operation and performance of high-speed networks by developing tractable models and approximations. The insight gained is utilized to propose ways of enhancing the efficiency of network resources and facilitating ease of network management and control. Dynamic routing algorithms for routing Virtual Circuits (VCs) in Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) must take into account their heterogeneous bandwidth characteristics and quality of service requirements. We classify ATM networks according to the network characteristics which have the greatest bearing on the performance of dynamic routing algorithms and discuss appropriate routing algorithms for each class and suggest methodologies for performance evaluation. We argue that the problem of designing Virtual Path (VP) subnetworks can be broken down into (i) determining the traffic classes and (ii) designing the overlay, i.e., assigning routes in the physical network to VPs. The problem of determining the optimal set of traffic classes is formulated as a set-partitioning problem. Efficient heuristics that exploit the structure of the problem are proposed. Multi-commodity flow problem is used to determine the overlay. A network that consists of LANs interconnected with leased lines, packet-switched networks, or MANs (or combinations thereof) is referred to as a heterogeneous data network. We develop a performance methodology that accounts for bursty nature of traffic, nested segmentation and reassembly of the packets, window flow control, and bandwidth allocation policies, associated with heterogeneous networks. The performance methodology developed gives good first-cut estimates of end-to-end response time and buffer overflow and requires minimal CPU time. Finally, we examine the Media Access Control (MAC) protocol of FDDI under "overload". We show, for an overloaded system, that the response time of a user that generates packets infrequently can be unacceptably large. Further, the response times grow dramatically with burstiness of traffic. We demonstrate that the response times of "light users" can be improved significantly. In addition, the expected waiting times for heavy users can also be reduced. We propose control mechanisms to force the system to operate in a desirable manner.

Customer network management for B-ISDN/ATM services

Abstract: The authors discuss a potential customer network management (CNM) service that would allow customers to effectively manage and control their virtual private networks as an integral part of their corporate private networks. They also present a broadband integrated services digital network/asynchronous transfer mode (B-ISDN/ATM) management architecture that will support this CNM service and its evolution. >

Distributed Dynamic Channel Allocation Algorithms for Microcellular Systems

Abstract: Microcellular systems offer the potential for substantial increases in capacity. However, existing frequency planning and network control are impractical. A solution to the network management problems created by the use of microcells is dynamic channel allocation (every channel available for use in every cell) with decentralized control (decisions made by the mobiles or portables rather than by a central switch). By addressing elemental situations, we show that microcellular systems can self-organize, with little loss in capacity in comparison to the best globally coordinated channel selection. Moreover, this can be done by using simple channel-allocation algorithms, with the mobile or portable unit making autonomous decisions based only on local measurements.

Supporting Network Management through Declaratively Specified Data Visualizations

Abstract: The complexity of managing and controlling large heterogeneous networks requires the availability of management stations equipped with sophisticated tools. A fundamental feature of an advanced network management station is the capability to present to the human manager a comprehensible picture of the relevant scenarios. The tools present at the station must allow the manager specify management functionalities in a graceful manner. But the overwhelming volume and complexity of the information involved in network management poses a major challenge. In this paper we show how the Hy + visual database system fulllls the information presentation and speciication requirements of advanced network management stations. A visual database system is capable of manipulating data visualizations through visually expressed queries. The Hy + system provides a uniform framework for hygraph based data visualizations, queries, and their results. Visual queries, expressed in the GraphLog language, are interpreted as patterns that match existing visualizations and create new ones. A prime example of the functionality supported by the system consists of describing a query that lters a large visu-alization to retain the portion that is of interest for the network manager in the context of a particular task. Examples of data visualizations that are relevant for network management are the network topology at diierent levels of abstraction, the presentation of network connguration information, and the display of management information bases and their history traces. Employing a fault management scenario as motivation, we demonstrate how the Hy + system deals with all of the above visualizations and several of their combinations, as well as entirely new ones generated through ad-hoc visual queries. With the aid of this system a network manager can also specify network management functionalities as declarative GraphLog queries, for example, deene alerts.

FYI on a Network Management Tool Catalog: Tools for Monitoring and Debugging TCP/IP Internets and Interconnected Devices

Abstract: The goal of this FYI memo is to provide an update to FYI 2, RFC 1147 [1], which provided practical information to site administrators and network managers. New and/or updated tools are listed in this RFC. Additonal descriptions are welcome, and should be sent to: noctools- entries@merit.edu.