As enterprises use ATM networks for their private networks and as these private networks use public ATM networks for wide area communication, the need for the customers to be able to manage both private and public networks is increasing. Currently, some standardization work is being done towards providing this capability to customers. In this paper, we propose a new customer network management (CNM) system architecture for the management of both private and public ATM networks in a uniform way. The particular features of the proposed architecture lies in the efficient support of the complex hierarchical TMN manager-agent relationships at M3 and M4 interfaces, and the support of SNMP and CMIP integration. The TMN hierarchical many-to-many manager-agent relationships are realized by the utilization of a CORBA-based Shared Management Knowledge (SMK) system. We have implemented a prototype of ATM CNM system, and measured the performance for the demonstration of the suitability of the proposed architecture.

Today's complicated and heterogeneous telecommunication network environments need fully-integrated, cost-effective, user-friendly management systems. When developing such management systems in distributed environments, many telecommunication companies are carefully adopting CORBA and Java technologies. CORBA technology enables developers to create and manipulate distributed management system components easily while Java technology liberates human users from complicated and proprietary management system interfaces. In this paper, we propose a TMN-based integration framework for distributed network management by combining both CORBA and Java technologies. The framework generalizes a logically-layered architecture from the management agents layer to the user interface layer. It also provides generalized TMN management interfaces using inter-domain gateway systems for coordinating heterogeneous management protocols. By using these interfaces, TMN management function components can be easily constructed as CORBA objects to provide powerful TMN management services to administrators via user-friendly Web browsers. On the basis of this framework, we have designed and implemented a TMN alarm surveillance system which realizes our framework.

Next Generation Network (NGN) is envisioned to be an inter-working environment of heterogeneous networks of wired and wireless access networks, PSTN, satellites, broadcasting, etc., all interconnected through the service provider's IP backbone and the Internet. NGN uses multiple broadband, QoS-enabled transport technologies and service-related functions independent from underlying transport-related technologies. The operations and management of such interconnected networks are expected to be much more difficult and important than the traditional network environment. In this paper, we present an overview of the current status towards the management of NGN and discuss challenges in operating and managing NGN. We also present the operations and management requirements of NGN in accordance with the challenges. We then present standardization activities of NGN management and some of the notable research and development efforts related to NGN management.