Abstract: Communication system management apparatus, methods, and interfaces are disclosed. A group of objects that are associated with different types of communication system components in a representation of a communication system are configured in a group. A further representation of the objects of the group is provided, and includes an indication of component operational status for one or more communication system components respectively associated with one or more of the objects of the group. The further representation of the objects of the group may also or instead provide access to the objects of the group, so that information associated with the objects may be more easily displayed, for example. The communication system representation and the group representation are provided in a Graphical User Interface (GUI) in some embodiments.

Abstract: Communication system management apparatus, methods, and interfaces are disclosed. A group of objects that are associated with different types of communication system components in a representation of a communication system are configured in a group. A further representation of the objects of the group is provided, and includes an indication of component operational status for one or more communication system components respectively associated with one or more of the objects of the group. The further representation of the objects of the group may also or instead provide access to the objects of the group, so that information associated with the objects may be more easily displayed, for example. The communication system representation and the group representation are provided in a Graphical User Interface (GUI) in some embodiments.

Abstract: A calendar tool displays policies that are scheduled to function in managed networks. The tool allows the network administrator to select and view individual scheduled policies, many individual scheduled policies or scheduled policy suites. The calendar identifies the different scheduled policies as rectilinear colored blocks of time on a calendar. These blocks will open their properties forms when double selected. Overlaps of scheduled policies and gaps between scheduled policies can be identified visually on the calendar because they are displayed in two distinct blocks of color which are different from any other colored block displayed. The administrator/user can see all policies that contribute to an overlap by simply selecting on the particular overlap. The user can see calendar information either in a weekly or daily format.

Abstract: A method for presenting network devices associated with a communications network on a display screen of a network management system, comprising: displaying a first list of the network devices on the display screen; receiving a signal from a user to select a network device from the first list, the network device having associated therewith one or more items; generating a second list of the one or more items; and, displaying the second list on the display screen to thereby improve access to the one or more items by the user.

Abstract: A calendar tool displays policies that are scheduled to function in managed networks. The tool allows the network administrator to select and view individual scheduled policies, many individual scheduled policies or scheduled policy suites. The calendar identifies the different scheduled policies as rectilinear colored blocks of time on a calendar. These blocks will open their properties forms when double selected. Overlaps of scheduled policies and gaps between scheduled policies can be identified visually on the calendar because they are displayed in two distinct blocks of color which are different from any other colored block displayed. The administrator/user can see all policies that contribute to an overlap by simply selecting on the particular overlap. The user can see calendar information either in a weekly or daily format.

Abstract: Communication system management apparatus, methods, and interfaces are disclosed. A group of objects that are associated with different types of communication system components in a representation of a communication system are configured in a group. A further representation of the objects of the group is provided, and includes an indication of component operational status for one or more communication system components respectively associated with one or more of the objects of the group. The further representation of the objects of the group may also or instead provide access to the objects of the group, so that information associated with the objects may be more easily displayed, for example. The communication system representation and the group representation are provided in a Graphical User Interface (GUI) in some embodiments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for network management support of OAM functionality in a communication network is presented. The network manager receives OAM configuration information for a segment that includes a plurality of path points. For each path point of the plurality of path points, the network manager determines, based on the configuration of the network, if the path point is to serve as an OAM source or sink for the desired OAM functional path. Based on this determination, the network manager generates OAM configuration commands for the selected path points that are to serve as OAM sources and sinks. These OAM configuration commands are then provided to the corresponding path points such that the appropriate OAM sources and sinks are established.

Abstract: A framework is presented to provide support for dynamically configuring a human-machine interface in a network management and service provisioning environment. The framework implements a file parser, methods of accessing a managed object server to interact with instances of managed data network entity objects, a multitude of view panel components and a command interpreter. A multitude of run-time loadable descriptor files are provided to specify the functionality, of view panel instances used by an analyst manipulate information in interacting with the network management and service provisioning environment. The parser is used to load descriptor files and instantiate view panels on demand.

Abstract: A framework is presented to provide support for dynamically configuring a human-machine interface in a network management and service provisioning environment. The framework implements a file parser, methods of accessing a managed object server to interact with instances of managed data network entity objects, a multitude of view panel components and a command interpreter. A multitude of run-time loadable descriptor files are provided to specify the functionality of view panel instances used by an analyst manipulate information in interacting with the network management and service provisioning environment. The parser is used to load descriptor files and instantiate view panels on demand.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for network management support of OAM functionality in a communication network is presented. The network manager receives OAM configuration information for a segment that includes a plurality of path points. For each path point of the plurality of path points, the network manager determines, based on the configuration of the network, if the path point is to serve as an OAM source or sink for the desired OAM functional path. Based on this determination, the network manager generates OAM configuration commands for the selected path points that are to serve as OAM sources and sinks. These OAM configuration commands are then provided to the corresponding path points such that the appropriate OAM sources and sinks are established.

Abstract: A configuration change management system is provided. The configuration change management system includes a configuration information repository and a human-machine interface for interacting with field-installed communications network entities. Versions of communications network entity specific configuration information are stored in repository entries. Methods of managing configuration changes include: retrieving configuration information from communications network entities; storing thereof under version control in repository entries; comparing at least one retrieved repository entry from the repository; and configuration information retrieved from field-installed communication network entities; and submitting, for reconfiguration, of at least one field installed communication network entity, selected configuration information held in a corresponding repository entry.

Abstract: A framework is presented to provide support for dynamically configuring a human-machine interface in a network management and service provisioning environment. The framework implements a file parser, methods of accessing a managed object server to interact with instances of managed data network entity objects, a plurality of view panel components and a command interpreter. A plurality of run-time loadable descriptor files are provided to specify the functionality, look-and-feel of view panel instances used by an analyst manipulate information in interacting with the network management and service provisioning environment. The view panel components are generically coded to provide support for the dynamically configured human-machine interface. The parser is used to load the .form files and instantiate view panels on demand such as: list display, list filter, tree display, parameter inspection, entity creation, entity configuration forms, etc.