Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method and related network node including one or more of the following: displaying, by the network management system, a first representation of a synchronization topology, wherein the synchronization topology includes a set of network elements and a set of peers; receiving a selection of at least one selected network element of the set of network elements; identifying at least one identified peer of the set of peers associated with the at least one selected network element; adding the at least one identified peer of the set of peers to a first synchronization group; and displaying a second representation of the synchronization topology, wherein the second representation includes a representation of the first synchronization group.

Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method and related network node including one or more of the following: displaying, by the network management system, a first representation of a synchronization topology, wherein the synchronization topology includes a set of network elements and a set of peers; identifying a set of peers to be monitored; receiving an indication that a network path associated with a peer of the set of peers to be monitored has changed; and displaying an alarm indication.

Abstract: Hierarchical testing systems and methods for testing communication systems are disclosed. Testing functions which test entities such as equipment or services of a communication system are classified into testing function groups. The testing function groups have an order which is based on an order of operational dependencies in the communication system. Testing functions to be performed for a particular entity to be tested are selected from testing functions for testing the entity itself and testing functions for testing other entities that have an operational dependency with the entity to be tested. Related data structures and user interfaces are also disclosed.

Abstract: Hierarchical testing systems and methods for testing communication systems are disclosed. Testing functions which test entities such as equipment or services of a communication system are classified into testing function groups. The testing function groups have an order which is based on an order of operational dependencies in the communication system. Testing functions to be performed for a particular entity to be tested are selected from testing functions for testing the entity itself and testing functions for testing other entities that have an operational dependency with the entity to be tested. Related data structures and user interfaces are also disclosed.