17.1 Introduction

This chapter considers the deployment of network management systems to support the access network. It considers some of the key drivers for the integration of network management systems (NMS) and discusses the technology and standards that can be used to achieve this integration. A brief tutorial on the Telecommunication Management Network (TMN) standards is given. The chapter goes on to consider an example of a managed network and some of the implementation aspects of introducing TMN systems.

In today's competitive telecoms environment operators are increasingly trying to find ways to reduce the costs of running their networks. Additionally there is a need to differentiate from competitors by introducing new services to attract new customers and generate additional revenue. This has led to requirements to deploy increasingly sophisticated network management systems and the key requirement to be able to integrate them. With the expected migration of millions of traditional residential customers to new DSL-based broadband networks, providing fast Internet access, a non-integrated NMS no longer supports effective or efficient deployment. By automating the operation of the network, operators achieve greater customer focus and provide a better service tailored towards the needs of their customers. The drivers for integrated network management are summarised in Table 17.1.

Providing new services faster than the competitors allows an...