Method and system for telecommunications network planning and management
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of performing network modification in a telecommunications network, comprising:
- storing a database comprising a master inventory defining network resources available in a network;
storing a service inventory, the service inventory being derived from the master inventory and containing information used for provisioning of services in the network;
provisioning services in the network using the service inventory;
performing a network modification by a process comprising;
modifying the database storing the master inventory;
outputting a change record describing the modification made to the database; and
modifying the network in dependence on the modified database using the change record;
analyzing utilization of the network resources in the network, and planning changes to the network in dependence on an outcome of the analysis; and
collating a plurality of change records describing modifications to the database to generate a network modification plan, the network modification plan defining a group of related network changes, and modifying the network using the network modification plan;
wherein the related network changes are grouped based on a type of equipment to which each of the network changes relates and a network location at which the network change is to be performed, the network location including at least one of a city, a building complex, a building of the building complex, a floor of the building, a room of the building, and a logical grouping of the network resources;
wherein analyzing and planning comprises;
measuring the utilization of one or more of the network resources in the network over time;
analyzing the measured utilization over time of the one or more of the network resources to determine a utilization trend; and
predicting future utilization of the one or more of the network resources using the determined utilization trend;
wherein measuring the utilization includes obtaining utilization data, the utilization data specifying an assignment of resources to services including an assignment of ports or timeslots, and the utilization data relating to data flow through given network resources;
wherein planning the changes includes comparing the predicted utilization to the network resources available in the network, such that the difference determines which network resources that are unavailable in the network are to be added to the network in order to meet the predicted utilization, and from the determination of the network resources that are to be added to the network, identifying additional network resources including devices and connections needed to support the network resources to be added;
wherein templates specify standard types of growth, shrinkage and change of network facilities, and the templates act to provide a constraint associated with a given set of possible change types for providing a more controlled and structured network.
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Abstract
A method of performing network modification in a telecommunications network is disclosed. The method comprises storing a database comprising a master inventory defining network resources available in the network. A network modification is performed by a process comprising modifying the database storing the master inventory; and modifying the network in dependence on the modified database. The method can be used in the management of telecommunications systems. A network planning method is also disclosed.
206 Citations
42 Claims
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1. A method of performing network modification in a telecommunications network, comprising:
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storing a database comprising a master inventory defining network resources available in a network; storing a service inventory, the service inventory being derived from the master inventory and containing information used for provisioning of services in the network; provisioning services in the network using the service inventory; performing a network modification by a process comprising; modifying the database storing the master inventory; outputting a change record describing the modification made to the database; and modifying the network in dependence on the modified database using the change record; analyzing utilization of the network resources in the network, and planning changes to the network in dependence on an outcome of the analysis; and collating a plurality of change records describing modifications to the database to generate a network modification plan, the network modification plan defining a group of related network changes, and modifying the network using the network modification plan; wherein the related network changes are grouped based on a type of equipment to which each of the network changes relates and a network location at which the network change is to be performed, the network location including at least one of a city, a building complex, a building of the building complex, a floor of the building, a room of the building, and a logical grouping of the network resources; wherein analyzing and planning comprises; measuring the utilization of one or more of the network resources in the network over time; analyzing the measured utilization over time of the one or more of the network resources to determine a utilization trend; and predicting future utilization of the one or more of the network resources using the determined utilization trend; wherein measuring the utilization includes obtaining utilization data, the utilization data specifying an assignment of resources to services including an assignment of ports or timeslots, and the utilization data relating to data flow through given network resources; wherein planning the changes includes comparing the predicted utilization to the network resources available in the network, such that the difference determines which network resources that are unavailable in the network are to be added to the network in order to meet the predicted utilization, and from the determination of the network resources that are to be added to the network, identifying additional network resources including devices and connections needed to support the network resources to be added; wherein templates specify standard types of growth, shrinkage and change of network facilities, and the templates act to provide a constraint associated with a given set of possible change types for providing a more controlled and structured network. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method of managing a telecommunications network comprising:
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storing a database comprising a master inventory defining network resources available in a network; storing a database comprising a service inventory, the service inventory being derived from the master inventory and containing information used for provisioning of services in the network; provisioning services in the network using the service inventory; modifying the service inventory in response to modification of the master inventory; modifying the network by a process including; modifying the database storing the master inventory; outputting change information in response to modification of the master inventory; and modifying the network in dependence on the modified database using the change information; performing a network modification by a process comprising; outputting a change record describing the modification made to the service inventory; and modifying the network using the change record; and analyzing utilization of the network resources in the network, and planning changes to the network in dependence on an outcome of the analysis; and collating a plurality of change records describing modifications to the service inventory to generate a network modification plan, the network modification plan defining a group of related network changes, and modifying the network using the network modification plan; wherein the related network changes are grouped based on a type of equipment to which each of the network changes relates and a network location at which the network change is to be performed, the network location including at least one of a city, a building complex, a building of the building complex, a floor of the building, a room of the building, and a logical grouping of the network resources; wherein analyzing and planning comprises; measuring the utilization of one or more of the network resources in the network over time; analyzing the measured utilization over time of the one or more of the network resources to determine a utilization trend; and predicting future utilization of the one or more of the network resources using the determined utilization trend; wherein measuring the utilization includes obtaining utilization data, the utilization data specifying an assignment of resources to services including an assignment of ports or timeslots, and the utilization data relating to data flow through given network resources; wherein planning the changes includes comparing the predicted utilization to the network resources available in the network, such that the difference determines which network resources that are unavailable in the network are to be added to the network in order to meet the predicted utilization, and from the determination of the network resources that are to be added to the network, identifying additional network resources including devices and connections needed to support the network resources to be added; wherein templates specify standard types of growth, shrinkage and change of network facilities, and the templates act to provide a constraint associated with a given set of possible change types for providing a more controlled and structured network. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14)
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15. A method, comprising:
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storing a database comprising a master inventory defining network resources available in a telecommunications network; storing a service inventory, the service inventory being derived from the master inventory and containing information used for provisioning of services in the network; provisioning services in the network using the service inventory; performing a network modification by a process comprising; modifying the database storing the master inventory; outputting a change record describing the modification made to the database; and modifying the network in dependence on the modified database using the change record; measuring utilization of one or more network resources in the network over time, utilizing a processor; analyzing the measured utilization over time to determine a utilization trend; calculating a predicted future utilization of the one or more network resources using the determined utilization trend; and generating planning data defining changes to the network in dependence on the predicted future utilization of the one or more network resources; wherein a plurality of change records describing modifications to a database are collated to generate a network modification plan, the network modification plan defining a group of related network changes, such that the network is modified using the network modification plan; wherein the related network changes are grouped based on a type of equipment to which each of the network changes relates and a network location at which the network change is to be performed, the network location including at least one of a city, a building complex, a building of the building complex, a floor of the building, a room of the building, and a logical grouping of the network resources; wherein measuring the utilization includes obtaining utilization data, the utilization data specifying an assignment of resources to services including an assignment of ports or timeslots, and the utilization data relating to data flow through given network resources; wherein generating the planning data defining changes to the network includes comparing the predicted utilization to the network resources available in the network, such that the difference determines which network resources that are unavailable in the network are to be added to the network in order to meet the predicted utilization, and from the determination of the network resources that are to be added to the network, identifying additional network resources including devices and connections needed to support the network resources to be added; wherein templates specify standard types of growth, shrinkage and change of network facilities, and the templates act to provide a constraint associated with a given set of possible change types for providing a more controlled and structured network. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A method of performing network modification in a telecommunications network, comprising:
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storing a database comprising a master inventory defining network resources available in a network; storing a service inventory, the service inventory being derived from the master inventory and containing information used for provisioning of services in the network; provisioning services in the network using the service inventory; performing a network modification by a process comprising; modifying the database storing the master inventory; outputting a change record describing the modification made to the database; and modifying the network in dependence on the modified database using the change record; generating planning data defining changes to the network, utilizing a processor; performing network modifications including the network modification in dependence on the planning data; and collating a plurality of change records describing modifications to a database to generate a network modification plan, the network modification plan defining a group of related network changes, and modifying the network using the network modification plan; wherein the related network changes are grouped based on a type of equipment to which each of the network changes relates and a network location at which the network change is to be performed, the network location including at least one of a city, a building complex, a building of the building complex, a floor of the building, a room of the building, and a logical grouping of network resources; wherein generating the planning data comprises; measuring utilization of one or more of the network resources in the network over time; analyzing the measured utilization over time to determine a utilization trend; calculating a predicted future utilization of the one or more of the network resources using the determined utilization trend; and generating the planning data defining changes to the network in dependence on the predicted future utilization of the one or more of the network resources; wherein measuring the utilization includes obtaining utilization data, the utilization data specifying an assignment of resources to services including an assignment of ports or timeslots, and the utilization data relating to data flow through given network resources; wherein generating the planning data defining changes to the network includes comparing the predicted utilization to the network resources available in the network, such that the difference determines which network resources that are unavailable in the network are to be added to the network in order to meet the predicted utilization, and from the determination of the network resources that are to be added to the network, identifying additional network resources including devices and connections needed to support the network resources to be added; wherein templates specify standard types of growth, shrinkage and change of network facilities, and the templates act to provide a constraint associated with a given set of possible change types for providing a more controlled and structured network.
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27. A method of managing a telecommunications network, comprising:
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maintaining a master inventory defining network resources available in a network, utilizing a processor; storing a service inventory, the service inventory being derived from the master inventory and containing information used for provisioning of services in the network; provisioning services in the network using the service inventory; implementing changes to the network by; implementing the changes in the master inventory; outputting a change record describing modifications made to a database comprising the master inventory; translating the inventory changes into changes to the network including modifying the network using the change record; and analyzing utilization of the network resources in the network, and planning changes to the network in dependence on an outcome of the analysis; and collating a plurality of change records describing modifications to the database to generate a network modification plan, the network modification plan defining a group of related network changes, and modifying the network using the network modification plan; wherein the related network changes are grouped based on a type of equipment to which each of the network changes relates and a network location at which the network change is to be performed, the network location including at least one of a city, a building complex, a building of the building complex, a floor of the building, a room of the building, and a logical grouping of the network resources; wherein analyzing and planning comprises; measuring the utilization of one or more of the network resources in the network over time; analyzing the measured utilization over time of the one or more of the network resources to determine a utilization trend; and predicting future utilization of the one or more of the network resources using the determined utilization trend; wherein measuring the utilization includes obtaining utilization data, the utilization data specifying an assignment of resources to services including an assignment of ports or timeslots, and the utilization data relating to data flow through given network resources; wherein planning the changes includes comparing the predicted utilization to the network resources available in the network, such that the difference determines which network resources that are unavailable in the network are to be added to the network in order to meet the predicted utilization, and from the determination of the network resources that are to be added to the network, identifying additional network resources including devices and connections needed to support the network resources to be added; wherein templates specify standard types of growth, shrinkage and change of network facilities, and the templates act to provide a constraint associated with a given set of possible change types for providing a more controlled and structured network.
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28. A method of managing a telecommunications network comprising:
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maintaining a master inventory describing network resources available in a network, utilizing a processor; maintaining a service inventory, the service inventory being derived from the master inventory and containing information used for provisioning of services in the network; provisioning services in the network using the service inventory; updating the service inventory in response to changes in the master inventory; performing a network modification by a process comprising; outputting a change record describing a modification made to a database comprising the master inventory; and modifying the network using the change record; analyzing utilization of the network resources in the network, and planning changes to the network in dependence on an outcome of the analysis; and collating a plurality of change records describing modifications to the database to generate a network modification plan, the network modification plan defining a group of related network changes, and modifying the network using the network modification plan; wherein the related network changes are grouped based on a type of equipment to which each of the network changes relates and a network location at which the network change is to be performed, the network location including at least one of a city, a building complex, a building of the building complex, a floor of the building, a room of the building, and a logical grouping of the network resources; wherein analyzing and planning comprises; measuring the utilization of one or more of the network resources in the network over time; analyzing the measured utilization over time of the one or more of the network resources to determine a utilization trend; and predicting future utilization of the one or more of the network resources using the determined utilization trend; wherein measuring the utilization includes obtaining utilization data, the utilization data specifying an assignment of resources to services including an assignment of ports or timeslots, and the utilization data relating to data flow through given network resources; wherein planning the changes includes comparing the predicted utilization to the network resources available in the network, such that the difference determines which network resources that are unavailable in the network are to be added to the network in order to meet the predicted utilization, and from the determination of the network resources that are to be added to the network, identifying additional network resources including devices and connections needed to support the network resources to be added; wherein templates specify standard types of growth, shrinkage and change of network facilities, and the templates act to provide a constraint associated with a given set of possible change types for providing a more controlled and structured network.
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29. A method of planning changes to a telecommunications network, comprising:
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storing a database comprising a master inventory defining network resources available in a network; storing a service inventory, the service inventory being derived from the master inventory and containing information used for provisioning of services in the network; provisioning services in the network using the service inventory; performing a network modification by a process comprising; modifying the database storing the master inventory; outputting a change record describing the modification made to the database; and modifying the network in dependence on the modified database using the change record; measuring utilization of one or more network resources in the network over time, utilizing a processor; analyzing the measured utilization over time to determine a utilization trend; predicting future utilization of the one or more network resources using the determined utilization trend; and planning changes to the network in dependence on the predicted future utilization of the one or more network resources; wherein a plurality of change records describing modifications to a database are collated to generate a network modification plan, the network modification plan defining a group of related network changes, such that the network is modified using the network modification plan; wherein the related network changes are grouped based on a type of equipment to which each of the network changes relates and a network location at which the network change is to be performed, the network location including at least one of a city, a building complex, a building of the building complex, a floor of the building, a room of the building, and a logical grouping of the network resources; wherein measuring the utilization includes obtaining utilization data, the utilization data specifying an assignment of resources to services including an assignment of ports or timeslots, and the utilization data relating to data flow through given network resources; wherein planning the changes includes comparing the predicted utilization to the network resources available in the network, such that the difference determines which network resources that are unavailable in the network are to be added to the network in order to meet the predicted utilization, and from the determination of the network resources that are to be added to the network, identifying additional network resources including devices and connections needed to support the network resources to be added; wherein templates specify standard types of growth, shrinkage and change of network facilities, and the templates act to provide a constraint associated with a given set of possible change types for providing a more controlled and structured network.
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30. A method, comprising:
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representing a telecommunications network in an abstract representation as a plurality of capability objects, each capability object representing a network capability; generating planning data specifying changes to network capabilities, the changes being expressed in planning data defining planned changes to the telecommunications network at a level of abstraction corresponding to that of the abstract representation; wherein the network capabilities are changed by; storing a service inventory, the service inventory being derived from a master inventory and containing information used for provisioning of services in the network, wherein the master inventory defines network resources available in the network; provisioning services in the network using the service inventory; performing a network modification by; modifying a database storing the master inventory; outputting a change record describing a modification made to the database; and modifying the network in dependence on the modified database using the change record; analyzing utilization of network resources in the network, and planning changes to the network in dependence on an outcome of the analysis, utilizing a processor; and collating a plurality of change records describing modifications to the database to generate a network modification plan, the network modification plan defining a group of related network changes, and modifying the network using the network modification plan; wherein the related network changes are grouped based on a type of equipment to which each of the network changes relates and a network location at which the network change is to be performed, the network location including at least one of a city, a building complex, a building of the building complex, a floor of the building, a room of the building, and a logical grouping of the network resources; wherein analyzing and planning comprises; measuring the utilization of one or more of the network resources in the network over time; analyzing the measured utilization over time of the one or more of the network resources to determine a utilization trend; and predicting future utilization of the one or more of the network resources using the determined utilization trend; wherein measuring the utilization includes obtaining utilization data, the utilization data specifying an assignment of resources to services including an assignment of ports or timeslots, and the utilization data relating to data flow through given network resources; wherein planning the changes includes comparing the predicted utilization to the network resources available in the network, such that the difference determines which network resources that are unavailable in the network are to be added to the network in order to meet the predicted utilization, and from the determination of the network resources that are to be added to the network, identifying additional network resources including devices and connections needed to support the network resources to be added; wherein templates specify standard types of growth, shrinkage and change of network facilities, and the templates act to provide a constraint associated with a given set of possible change types for providing a more controlled and structured network. - View Dependent Claims (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38)
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39. A network management system, comprising:
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a database for storing a master inventory defining network resources available in a network; and a network management module for; modifying the database storing the master inventory; modifying the network in dependence on the modified database; storing a service inventory, the service inventory being derived from the master inventory and containing information used for provisioning of services in the network; provisioning services in the network using the service inventory; wherein the network management system is operable such that modifying the network further comprises; outputting a change record describing the modification made to the database; modifying the network using the change record; and analyzing utilization of the network resources in the network, and planning changes to the network in dependence on an outcome of the analysis; wherein the network management system is operable such that a plurality of change records describing modifications to the database are collated to generate a network modification plan, the network modification plan defining a group of related network changes, and the network is modified using the network modification plan; wherein the network management system is operable such that the related network changes are grouped based on a type of equipment to which each of the network changes relates and a network location at which the network change is to be performed, the network location including at least one of a city, a building complex, a building of the building complex, a floor of the building, a room of the building, and a logical grouping of the network resources; wherein the network management system is operable such that analyzing and planning comprises; measuring the utilization of one or more of the network resources in the network over time; analyzing the measured utilization over time of the one or more of the network resources to determine a utilization trend; and predicting future utilization of the one or more of the network resources using the determined utilization trend; wherein the network management system is operable such that measuring the utilization includes obtaining utilization data, the utilization data specifying an assignment of resources to services including an assignment of ports or timeslots, and the utilization data relating to data flow through given network resources; wherein the network management system is operable such that planning the changes includes comparing the predicted utilization to the network resources available in the network, such that the difference determines which network resources that are unavailable in the network are to be added to the network in order to meet the predicted utilization, and from the determination of the network resources that are to be added to the network, identifying additional network resources including devices and connections needed to support the network resources to be added; wherein the network management system is operable such that templates specify standard types of growth, shrinkage and change of network facilities, and the templates act to provide a constraint associated with a given set of possible change types for providing a more controlled and structured network.
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40. A network management system for:
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storing a master inventory defining network resources available in a network; storing a service inventory, the service inventory being derived from the master inventory and containing information used for provisioning of services in the network; provisioning services in the network using the service inventory; modifying the service inventory in response to modification of the master inventory; performing a network modification by a process comprising; outputting a change record describing the modification made to a database comprising the master inventory; modifying the network using the change record; and analyzing utilization of the network resources in the network, and planning changes to the network in dependence on an outcome of the analysis; and collating a plurality of change records describing modifications to the database to generate a network modification plan, the network modification plan defining a group of related network changes, and modifying the network using the network modification plan; wherein the network management system is operable such that the related network changes are grouped based on a type of equipment to which each of the network changes relates and a network location at which the network change is to be performed, the network location including at least one of a city, a building complex, a building of the building complex, a floor of the building, a room of the building, and a logical grouping of the network resources; wherein the network management system is operable such that analyzing and planning comprises; measuring the utilization of one or more of the network resources in the network over time; analyzing the measured utilization over time of the one or more of the network resources to determine a utilization trend; and predicting future utilization of the one or more of the network resources using the determined utilization trend; wherein the network management system is operable such that measuring the utilization includes obtaining utilization data, the utilization data specifying an assignment of resources to services including an assignment of ports or timeslots, and the utilization data relating to data flow through given network resources; wherein the network management system is operable such that planning the changes includes comparing the predicted utilization to the network resources available in the network, such that the difference determines which network resources that are unavailable in the network are to be added to the network in order to meet the predicted utilization, and from the determination of the network resources that are to be added to the network, identifying additional network resources including devices and connections needed to support the network resources to be added; wherein the network management system is operable such that templates specify standard types of growth, shrinkage and change of network facilities, and the templates act to provide a constraint associated with a given set of possible change types for providing a more controlled and structured network.
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41. A network planning system for:
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storing a database comprising a master inventory defining network resources available in a network; storing a service inventory, the service inventory being derived from the master inventory and containing information used for provisioning of services in the network; provisioning services in the network using the service inventory; performing a network modification by a process comprising; modifying the database storing the master inventory; outputting a change record describing the modification made to the database; and modifying the network in dependence on the modified database using the change record; measuring utilization of one or more network resources in the network over time; analyzing the measured utilization over time to determine a utilization trend; calculating a predicted future utilization of the one or more network resources using the determined utilization trend; and generating planning data defining changes to the network in dependence on the predicted future utilization of the one or more network resources; wherein the network planning system is operable such that a plurality of change records describing modifications to a database are collated to generate a network modification plan, the network modification plan defining a group of related network changes, such that the network is modified using the network modification plan; wherein the network planning system is operable such that the related network changes are grouped based on a type of equipment to which each of the network changes relates and a network location at which the network change is to be performed, the network location including at least one of a city, a building complex, a building of the building complex, a floor of the building, a room of the building, and a logical grouping of the network resources; wherein the network planning system is operable such that measuring the utilization includes obtaining utilization data, the utilization data specifying an assignment of resources to services including an assignment of ports or timeslots, and the utilization data relating to data flow through given network resources; wherein the network planning system is operable such that generating the planning data defining changes to the network includes comparing the predicted utilization to the network resources available in the network, such that the difference determines which network resources that are unavailable in the network are to be added to the network in order to meet the predicted utilization, and from the determination of the network resources that are to be added to the network, identifying additional network resources including devices and connections needed to support the network resources to be added; wherein the network planning system is operable such that templates specify standard types of growth, shrinkage and change of network facilities, and the templates act to provide a constraint associated with a given set of possible change types for providing a more controlled and structured network.
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42. A planning system, comprising:
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a processor; memory storing a database having a planning model representing a telecommunications network using a plurality of capability objects, each capability object representing a network capability; and the planning module adapted to generate planning data specifying changes to network capabilities in dependence on the planning model; wherein the planning system is operable such that the network capabilities are changed by; storing a service inventory, the service inventory being derived from a master inventory and containing information used for provisioning of services in the network, wherein the master inventory defines network resources available in the network and is stored in the database; provisioning services in the network using the service inventory; performing a network modification by; modifying the database storing the master inventory; outputting a change record describing a modification made to the database; modifying the network in dependence on the modified database using the change record; and analyzing utilization of network resources in the network, and planning changes to the network in dependence on an outcome of the analysis; wherein the planning system is operable such that a plurality of change records describing modifications to the database are collated to generate a network modification plan, the network modification plan defining a group of related network changes, and the network is modified using the network modification plan; wherein the planning system is operable such that the related network changes are grouped based on a type of equipment to which each of the network changes relates and a network location at which the network change is to be performed, the network location including at least one of a city, a building complex, a building of the building complex, a floor of the building, a room of the building, and a logical grouping of the network resources; wherein the planning system is operable such that analyzing and planning comprises; measuring the utilization of one or more of the network resources in the network over time; analyzing the measured utilization over time of the one or more of the network resources to determine a utilization trend; and predicting future utilization of the one or more of the network resources using the determined utilization trend; wherein the planning system is operable such that measuring the utilization includes obtaining utilization data, the utilization data specifying an assignment of resources to services including an assignment of ports or timeslots, and the utilization data relating to data flow through given network resources; wherein the planning system is operable such that planning the changes includes comparing the predicted utilization to the network resources available in the network, such that the difference determines which network resources that are unavailable in the network are to be added to the network in order to meet the predicted utilization, and from the determination of the network resources that are to be added to the network, identifying additional network resources including devices and connections needed to support the network resources to be added; wherein the planning system is operable such that templates specify standard types of growth, shrinkage and change of network facilities, and the templates act to provide a constraint associated with a given set of possible change types for providing a more controlled and structured network.
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Specification