Showing papers on "Network management published in 1995"

System for monitoring and managing computer resources and applications across a distributed computing environment using an intelligent autonomous agent architecture

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for monitoring and managing the applications and resources on a distributed computer network. Preferably, at least one manager software system runs on at least one of the networked computer systems designated as a network management computer system or "console" system. An agent software system runs on each of the server computer systems in the network to be monitored. Each respective agent software system carries out tasks on the computer system in which it is installed such as discovering which resources and applications are present on the computer system, monitoring particular aspects of the resources and applications present on the computer system, and executing recovery actions automatically when such actions are warranted. The agents are capable of intelligent, autonomous operation. Knowledge modules are stored in a non-volatile storage device at the site of each agent software system and are loaded and unloaded into server memory dynamically as consoles register and de-register with the agents. Consoles may register to receive all information from the agents or only selected information. An event management procedure is disclosed for coordinating event management between the various consoles throughout the network.

Method and apparatus for policy-based alarm notification in a distributed network management environment

Abstract: Apparatus and method for receiving alarms from multiple network management servers and applying a plurality of policy-based filters to the alarms. The filters may be named and stored in a database, and application of the policy-based filters may be scheduled for different times. The same policy-based filters may be applied to one or more multiple network management applications. The invention allows greater control over which alarms get reported to network management applications and provides a means to ensure consistency of reported alarms across multiple network management applications.

Method and system for sharing information between network managers

Abstract: A technique for managing a network by sharing information between distributed network managers which manage a different portion of a large network is disclosed. By sharing such network information, the network management performed by the distributed network managers can inform site managers not only local network conditions but also about network conditions on other remote networks. A filtering operation is used to determine that portion of the network information deemed important to forward to another network manager. A database synchronization operation is also optionally provided so that databases of each network manager, which store topology information concerning the particular portion of the network, can be automatically synchronized.

Distributed management by delegation

Abstract: This paper introduces a novel approach to distributed computing based on delegation-agents, and describes its applications to decentralize network management. Delegation agents are programs that can be dispatched to remote processes, dynamically linked and executed under local or remote control. Unlike scripted agents, delegation agent programs may be written in arbitrary languages, interpreted or compiled. They can thus be more broadly applied to handle such tasks as real-time monitoring, analysis and control of network resources. Distributed management by delegation (MbD) uses this to manage remote elements and domains. MbD provides a paradigm for distributed, flexible, scalable and robust network management that overcomes the key limitations of current centralized management schemes.

Architecting noncooperative networks

Abstract: In noncooperative networks users make control decisions that optimize their individual performance measure. Focusing on routing, two methodologies for architecting noncooperative networks are devised, that improve the overall network performance. These methodologies are motivated by problem settings arising in the provisioning and the run time phases of the network. For either phase, Nash equilibria characterize the operating point of the network. The goal in the provisioning phase is to allocate link capacities that lead to systemwide efficient Nash equilibria. The solution of such design problems is, in general, counterintuitive, since adding link capacity might lead to degradation of user performance. For systems of parallel links, it is shown that such paradoxes cannot occur and that the optimal solution coincides with the solution in the single-user case. Extensions to general network topologies are derived. During the run time phase, a manager controls the routing of part of the network flow. The manager is aware of the noncooperative behavior of the users and makes its routing decisions based on this information while aiming at improving the overall system performance. We obtain necessary and sufficient conditions for enforcing an equilibrium that coincides with the global network optimum, and indicate that these conditions are met in many cases of interest. >

Maintenance operations console for an advanced intelligent network

Abstract: An arrangement for monitoring operations of advanced intelligent network (AIN) elements of a public switched telephone network by transporting standardized network management messages across a data network. A maintenance and operations console (MOC) sends and receives Simplified Network Management Protocol (SNMP) objects from AIN elements such as an Intelligent Peripheral (IP) via a packet switched network using a standardized transport protocol such as TCP/IP. The IP includes an error monitoring system that collects error messages and generates an error status report. An SNMP agent internal to the IP converts the error status report to SNMP objects outputs the SNMP objects onto the packet switched network. The HOC receives the SNMP objects, assigns an operational priority to the SNMP objects, and displays the operational priority of the received SNMP objects based on object relationships identified by a Management Information Base (MIB). The MOC outputs SNMP objects identifying corrective measures in accordance with user selection inputs and the object relationships identified by the MIB. The MOC of the present invention provides flexible monitoring of AIN elements at different locations based on the use of SNMP object base, and accomodates changes to the AIN based on the received MIB objects.

Using design patterns to develop reusable object-oriented communication software

Abstract: Despite dramatic increases in network and host performance, it remains difficult to design, implement, and reuse communication software for complex distributed systems. Examples of these systems include global personal communication systems, network management platforms, enterprise medical imaging systems, and real-time market data monitoring and analysis systems. In addition, it is often hard to directly reuse existing algorithms, detailed designs, interfaces, or implementations in these systems due to the growing heterogeneity of hardware/software architectures and the increasing diversity of operating system platforms.

Managing networks in the public sector: a theoretical study of management strategies in policy networks

Abstract: textPublic policy usually develops in complex networks of public, quasi-public and private organizations. It is now generally accepted that these networks set limits to the governance capability of the administration. A good deal less is known about the opportunities which policy networks offer for tackling social and administrative problems. This article deals with the way network management enables government organizations to benefit from networks. Building on the theoretical concepts of 'networks' and 'games', two forms of network management are identified: game management and network structuring. Four key aspects can be identified for both of these management fonns: actors and their relations, resources, rules and perceptions. At thesame time, criteria for the assessment and improvement of network management are examined. The article concludes with a consideration of the limits of network management.

Performance and status monitoring in a computer network

Abstract: Provided is a method and a system for computer network monitoring, implemented in a network in which processes communicate using message queuing. Each node of the network has a network management program installed thereon which includes two independent components: a Point Of Control (POC) program for initiating network tests by injecting a test message into the network and for receiving responses from all the nodes of the network; and a Network Test Program (NTP) for sending a reply message to the single POC for a particular test when the NTP receives test messages within that test, and for propagating the test by forwarding a message to all of the current node's adjacent nodes. Test results are analyzed at the POC for display to the network administrator. Injected test messages propagate throughout the network in a self-exploring manner, exploiting the parallelism of the network. The individual nodes are not required to know the network topology other than to know their nearest neighbor nodes.

Signaling and control architecture for an ad-hoc ATM LAN

Abstract: The present invention is a signaling and control architecture for establishing a connection between mobile users in a wireless ATM LAN. The ATM LAN includes a plurality of portable base station (PBS) switching nodes coupled together to enable communication between said nodes, wherein the nodes are configurable in an arbitrary topology to form an ad-hoc network. The present invention includes network management techniques for configuration of data tables used for connection control. Mobility management techniques are disclosed to handle mobile sign-ons and idle handoffs, locate mobile users during connection and setup and perform handoffs when a mobile is actively involved in a connection. Connection control procedures are also included for setting up and releasing connections on demand.

Gateway for using legacy telecommunications network element equipment with a common management information protocol

Abstract: A gateway that allows a CMIP/CMISE network manager to manage legacy telecommunications network elements by providing a bidirectional mapping between CMIP messages and legacy syntax messages. The gateway has the ability to understand the individual dialects of each vendor specific legacy syntax; therefore, a single CMIP/CMISE network manager can manage a network composed of a variety of network legacy elements from multiple vendors.

BAHAMA: a broadband ad-hoc wireless ATM local-area network

Abstract: We describe the theory, design and ongoing prototyping of a wireless ATM LAN/PBX capable of supporting mobile users with multi-Mb/s access rates and multi-Gb/s aggregate capacities. Our proposed LAN consists of network nodes called portable base stations (PBS) providing microcell coverage. The PBSs are designed to be low-cost, compact and high-speed and can be relocated conveniently. We employ a concept of ad-hoc networking in the layout of the PBS-to-PBS interconnection. That is, the PBSs can be distributed in an arbitrary topology to form a backbone network and can be reconfigured with relative ease. The PBS-to-PBS backbone links are high-speed (Gb/s) for supporting high system capacity. Although they can either be wired or wireless, our emphasis is on wireless implementations. The user-to-PBS links, on the other hand, are primarily for mobile access (e.g., 2-20 Mb/s) and therefore are wireless. Wired connections from stationary users to PBSs are also possible. Typical mobile users are assumed to be laptops or notebook computers. Services supported include conventional data applications (e.g., over TCP/IP or SPX/IPX) as well as multimedia (video, voice and data) applications with QoS (quality-of-service) guarantees. A "aireless ATM" concept is proposed so as to provide seamless internetworking with other wired ATM local and wide-area networks. Algorithms and control in our network are highly distributed for simple implementations and ease of mobility management. A new wireless VP/VC concept and a homing algorithm are described to provide ATM cell routing and connections in the network. PBS hardware and software architectures are discussed. Call management, network management and signaling are designed for simplicity, high performance and modular implementations. A fast network restoration scheme is proposed to cope with the potential link or node failures in the ad-hoc network. Error control is addressed taking the unreliable wireless links into consideration. Finally, a prototyping project called BAHAMA (broadband ad hoc ATM anywhere) for demonstrating this network concept is briefly outlined.

System for displaying information relating to a computer network including association devices with tasks performable on those devices

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of managing a computer network including a plurality of devices is provided, wherein a plurality of network management tasks are performable upon the devices. Data is gathered about a present configuration of the network, including the types of devices in the network, the quantity of each type of device present in the network, the relationships between the devices, and the tasks performable upon each of the devices. The data is then stored in a database representing a network map. A display is generated corresponding to the network map using the data in the database. The display shows an association of the devices with the tasks performable on the devices using bitmap representations of the devices and tasks. The display may include hierarchical, schematic, or geographical representations of the devices on the network. The devices are organized into a plurality of groups. In response to a user input selecting a device or group, the tasks performable by that device or group are identified on the display. A user may initiate any one of the displayed tasks by applying a user input selecting that task.

A wireless broadband ad-hoc ATM local-area network

Abstract: We describe the theory, design and ongoing prototyping of a wireless ATM LAN/PBX capable of supporting mobile users with multi-Mb/s access rates and multi-Gb/s aggregate capacities. Our proposed LAN consists of network nodes called Portable Base Stations (PBS) providing microcell coverage. The PBSs are designed to be low-cost, compact and high-speed and can be relocated conveniently. We employ a concept of ad-hoc networking in the layout of the PBS-to-PBS interconnection. That is, the PBSs can be distributed in an arbitrary topology to form a backbone network and can be reconfigured with relative ease. The PBS-to-PBS backbone links are high-speed (Gb/s) for supporting high system capacity. Although they can either be wired or wireless, our emphasis is on wireless implementations. The user-to-PBS links, on the other hand, are primarily for mobile access (e.g., 2-20 Mb/s) and therefore are wireless. Wired connections from stationary users to PBSs are also possible. Typical mobile users are assumed to be laptops or notebook computers. Services supported include conventional data applications (e.g., over TCP/IP or SPX/IPX) as well as multimedia (video, voice and data) applications with QoS (Quality-of-Service) guarantees. A “wireless ATM” concept is proposed so as to provide seamless internetworking with other wired ATM local and wide-area networks. Algorithms and control in our network are highly distributed for simple implementations and ease of mobility management. A new wireless VP/VC concept and a Homing Algorithm are described to provide ATM cell routing and connections in the network. PBS hardware and software architectures are discussed. Call management, network management and signaling are designed for simplicity, high performance and modular implementations. A fast network restoration scheme is proposed to cope with the potential link or node failures in the ad-hoc network. Error control is addressed taking the unreliable wireless links into consideration. Finally, a prototyping project called BAHAMA (Broadband Ad Hoc ATM Anywhere) for demonstrating this network concept is briefly outlined.

Decentralizing control and intelligence in network management

Abstract: Device failures, performance inefficiencies, and security compromises are some of the problems associated with the operations of networked systems. Effective management requires monitoring, interpreting, and controlling the behavior of the distributed resources. Current management systems pursue a platform-centered paradigm, where agents monitor the system and collect data, which can be accessed by applications via management protocols. We contrast this centralized paradigm with a decentralized paradigm, in which some or all intelligence and control is distributed among the network entities. Network management examples show that the centralized paradigm has some fundamental limitations. We explain that centralized and decentralized paradigms can and should coexist, and define characteristics that can be used to determine the degree of decentralization that is appropriate for a given network management application.

Network management system for communications networks

Abstract: A network management system (162) for a communications network (163) comprises management function software accessible to one or more workstations (160) and incorporating a data store (161) for management information. The network management system (162) is structured to accommodate a layered model of the network and pays particular attention to the Service Management Layer/Network Management Layer (SML/NML) interface. In fault and test management, the network management system (162) incorporates elements to apply constraints, feature agreements (Fas), which elements then determine diagnosis and reporting procedures in response to fault or performance report or test inputs to the system (162). The system (162) can be used to manage specific services, such as flexible bandwith services, carried by selected network technology, such as Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) switching.

Event correlation using rule and object based techniques

Abstract: Today’s competitive market place has forced the telecommunications industry to improve their service and reliability. One step that telecommunications companies have taken to reduce network failures is the installation of operations centers to collect data from network elements. These centers are staffed by network managers who monitor network activity by correlating alarms across various operational disciplines (switch, facility, traffic) and relating them to a common cause. Accurate analysis is often difficult due to the volume of data and complexity of problems.

Scalable hierarchical network management system for displaying network information in three dimensions

Abstract: A network management system has SNMP agents distributed at one or more sites, an input output module at each site, and a server module located at a selected site for communicating with input output modules, each of which is configured for both SNMP and HNMP communications. The server module is configured exclusively for HNMP communications, and it communicates with each input output module according to the HNMP. Non-iconified, informationally complete views are provided of network elements to aid in network management.

Managing environmental disputes : network management as an alternative

Abstract: Preface. 1. Environmental Dispute Resolution as a Management Issue towards new forms of decision-making P. Glasbergen. 2. Activating a Policy Network the case of the mainport Schiphol P. Driessen. 3. Strategies for Network Management in an Agricultural Region the case of the Gelre Valley P. Driessen, P. Glasbergen. 4. From Adversarial to Collaborative Interaction environmental problem solving in the Zealand Flanders Canal region P. Glasbergen, J. van der Veen. 5. The Role of Mediation in the Process of Integrated Planning environmental planning in the area of the world's biggest harbor B. van der Klundert, P. Glasbergen. 6. Government Control in a Polynuclear Metropolis the search for an effective management strategy J. van der Veen. 7. Project Management for Water Conflicts an analysis of factors conducive to success or failure P. Glasbergen. 8. Between Salt and Salmon network management in the Rhine catchment area C. Dieperink. 8. Forecasting Land Use Disputes network analysis of a nature development project R. Corvers, W. Slot. 10. Network Management in Perspective concluding remarks on network management as an innovative form of environmental management P. Driessen, W. Vermeulen. Bibliography. Subject Index.

End-to-end survivable broadband networks

Abstract: Within the EC-sponsored RACE program, the IMMUNE project was established to analyze and specify appropriate strategies for introducing end-to-end survivability into corporate and public broadband networks to support these strategies by proper techniques and evaluation tools, and to demonstrate distributed restoration on PSN (public switched networks) and CPN (customer premises networks) laboratory models. The first objective was to define a set of survivability requirements and metrics to be used in the rest of the project. This has led to the identification of a range of survivability strategy options ann how they can be mapped onto user, service provider and operator requirements. The next step on the road to integral survivability is designing and planning survivable networks, and the evaluation of the restoration and protection mechanisms that will be applied in these networks. An overview is given of this part of the project. Most protection and restoration mechanisms operate within a single network layer and network part, autonomous from network management. The interaction of mechanisms in different network layers or in different network parts, and the role of network management, are discussed. For the demonstration lab models, two techniques have been selected for implementation: a distributed restoration mechanism for a meshed ATM PSN, and a CPN ATM ring protection switching mechanism. These techniques are described and an overview is given of the ongoing activities within the IMMUNE project, with a summary of the status of the demo models. >

Improving Performance in Replicated Databases through Relaxed Coherency

Abstract: Applications in finance and telecommunications (intelligent network, network management, mobile computing) cause renewed interest in distributed and replicated data management. Since synchronous update of replicated data is experienced to degrade distributed systems performance substantially, relaxing the requirement of coherency (mutual consistency) has become a favorable approach to achieve high performance in replicated databases. In this paper we present formal concepts for specifying relaxed coherency which allows to calculate an independent measure of relaxation, called + coherency index. We incorporate this metric into a detailed analytical queueing model which emphasizes on the quality of replication to evaluate the impact of relaxed coherency on the performance of replicated databases. The model considers response time, throughput, scalability and network traffic as performance criteria. As it turns out, performance improvements through relaxed coherency depend significantly on various system parameters. We closely examine the trade off between consistency and performance, and show that in many situations a slight relaxation of coherency can increase performance remarkably. Finally, we verify these results by benchmarking an implementation of relaxed coherency.

Object-oriented programming interface for developing and running network management applications on a network communication infrastructure

Abstract: A programming interface for converting network management application programs written in an object-oriented language into network communication protocols The application programs manipulate managed objects specified according to GDMO/ASN1 ISO standards Methods are provided for mapping from GDMO templates and ASN1 defined types into C++ programming language The interface has both an object interface composing means for generating code which provides proxy managed object classes as local representatives for managed object classes, and a run time system means for providing proxy agent object classes as representatives for remote agents

Telecommunications network service central management system interfacing with protocol specific regional stations providing services to subscribers

Abstract: Processes and devices for enhancing communication management and control in an intelligent network. A Service Management System Information Model serves as the basis for generation of Network Element Images which facilitate data communication between the Service Management System and the various Network elements. The Service Management System Information Model also allows a more intuitive and efficient provisioning interface for the Service Management System user. Network Element Interfaces according to the present invention contain embedded Service Management System/Network Element Interface Protocol functionality and may be employed to interpret the Network Element Images and communicate them over the network to the Network Elements. A Network Element Interface Server allows requests from client programs in the service management system to be queued and prioritized as desired for further efficiency, flexibility and reliability.

Management system for public and private switched networks

Abstract: A hybrid network includes a public switched network and a private switched network. Each has a respective network management system. Between these systems are two interfaces, a service management interface and a network management interface. Information can be shared between the two systems in order to provide common management of the public and private networks and the services provided. A hybrid network management system within the private network management system can thus form a single view of, for example, the network faults and performance analysis of the public and private networks, which together form the overall network of a corporate customer.

Managing Computer Networks: A Case-Based Reasoning Approach

Abstract: From the Publisher: This is the first book to discuss the applications of CBR to network management. It takes a close look at the components of the CBR paradigm, and also examines the contribution of CBR as one component of a larger system for managing computer networks.

ISDN access to fast packet data network

Abstract: A Health Care Information Network is provided that allows subscribers access to a data center. A LAN arranged at the data center is connected through a frame relay network to a LAN of a similar type located at a central office. ISDN/LAN bridges link the LAN to an ISDN switch that provides the subscribers with ISDN Centrex services. A PC at the subscriber's site can gain the subscriber access to the ISDN switch via an ISDN Centrex line. The subscribers are provided with voice, image and data transmission, and can communicate not only with the data center but with each other. For disaster recovery, e.g., if a connection is broken or defective, the network can provide alternative routes. A network manager at the data center is able to configure the network, monitor its status and react to failures and overloads on a real time basis.

Network management apparatus and control method thereof

Abstract: A network management apparatus and a method for controlling thereof according to the present invention, which can save a user managing output units connected onto a network. Practically, printing data and condition information are transmitted to the network management apparatus from each computer connected onto the network. According to the received condition information, the network management apparatus searches for a printer which meets conditions represented by the condition information. Thereafter, the network management apparatus transmits the printing data to the printer searched for.

Arrangement for dynamically deriving a telephone network management database from telephone network data

Abstract: A network management facility is adapted so that it obtains information including connectivity data as well as the identities of discrete network elements from an associated network and then uses the information to determine the configuration of the network. The management facility then generates, for storage in a network management database, data records characterizing the configuration of the network, as defined by the components, circuits, etc., forming the network. Once the database has been created in this manner, the network management system may then use the contents of the database to provision requests entered by network users, for example, a request for additional transmission bandwidth. The database may also be used to evaluate a network condition, such as a condition characterized by a trouble alarm. Further, the network management system automatically updates the contents of the database to reflect a change in the associated network, thereby eliminating the need to rely on personnel to perform that task.

Policy Networks and Governance

Abstract: In this chapter we focus on the management and the restructuring of networks, two themes that have recently attracted interest within the fields of public administration and policy analysis. Network approaches are in part a response to models in which policy making is seen as a more or less rational and sequential process from problem definition through policy intervention to evaluation and feedback. In network approaches, policy is seen as the result of interaction among corporate actors (Marin and Mayntz, 1991). These actors depend on each other for the realization of their aims and for this reason maintain ongoing relations with each other. This mutual dependency is often long-lived, leading to networks of relations that can be viewed as institutions. The policy networks evolve structures consisting of sets of values, norms, and rules. From a network perspective, institutional design can be viewed as efforts to alter these structures to achieve more desired outcomes

A network element in a telecommunication network

Abstract: A network element in a telecommunication network providing a number of different types of services, supports several telecommunication network applications (1304, 1306). It furthermore contains system resources and management information software. This software includes application specific management information and management information for system resources common to the applications, and is available to an operations system for managing the system resources when they are to be used. All of said management information is organized, from the point of view of naming, in several application specific management information bases each in the form of a respective hierarchical tree structure (1310, 1312).