METHOD AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR MANAGING A COMMUNICATION NETWORK

• US 20090182870A1
• Filed: 12/31/2008
• Published: 07/16/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 11/09/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Siemens AG
• Original Assignee: Siemens AG
• Inventors: HIRSCH, Lucian
• Granted Patent: US 8,332,533 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 709/224
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/06 Management of faults, events, alarms or notifications
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/22 comprising specially adapted graphical user interfaces [GUI]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 43/50 Testing arrangements

Abstract

Communication networks are automatically tested from a superordinate producer-independently managing network management center, such as when subordinate, producer-specific operation and maintenance centers (OMCs) are not occupied. Producer-dependent information is transmitted when an alarm report is sent and producer-specific hardware tests are automatically generated in the network management center (NMC). It is unnecessary for producer-specific object classes to be completely defined in the information model of the OMC-NMC interface. The tests automatically generated in the network management center can be triggered in response to errors, e.g. for a particular hardware board, or preventively, for example for the entire hardware of a network unit.

Claims

1. A method for managing a test of network resources in a communication network having a first device on a first management level, a second device on a second management level, and an interface between the first device and the second device using an information model based on functional, manufacturer-independent object classes, comprising:

transmitting, from the first device to the second device via the interface, a message requesting a test of the network resources; and

transmitting, from the second device to the first device via the interface, a response containing a parameter value for identification of an operation requested in the test.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising transmitting, upon conclusion of the test, an additional message containing the parameter value along with results of the test to the first device.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the results of the test are sent to the first device by the second device.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the test is a manufacturer-specific test.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the network resources includes a hardware.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the hardware is at least one of a hardware component and a hardware board.

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein the test is specific for said hardware.

8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising repeating said transmitting of the message and the response for multiple devices on the second management level to test or scan the network resources.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the interface enables automatic generation of periodic preventive tests by the first device.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first device is a network management center and the second device is an operations and maintenance center.

11. A communication network having a first device on a first management level, a second device on a second management level, and an interface between the first device and the second device using an information model based on functional object classes, comprising:

means for transmitting, from the first device to the second device via the interface, a message requesting a test of the network resources; and

means for transmitting, from the second device to the first device via the interface, a response containing a parameter value for identification of an operation requested in the test.

12. A computer-readable medium encoded with a computer program for managing a test of network resources in a communication network having a first device on a first management level, a second device on a second management level, and an interface between the first device and the second device using an information model based on functional object classes, the program when executed by a computer causes the computer to perform a method comprising:

transmitting, from the first device to the second device via the interface, a message requesting a test of the network resources; and

transmitting, from the second device to the first device via the interface, a response containing a parameter value for identification of an operation requested in the test.