Abstract: A framework for managing a communication network is described. Network elements and/or test devices as well as a physical layer management system is provided. The network elements and/or the test devices are coupled with the physical layer management system via a generic and standardized first interface. The physical layer management system and a logical management layer are coupled via a generic and standardized second interface.

Abstract: An interface of a network management system for managing network elements of a communication network is described. The interface comprises a list of assignments of names of the network elements as provided e.g. by the vendors of the network elements, and names as used by the network management system. The names as used by the network management system are unique.

Abstract: A method of extending a template of a network management system for operating a communication network is describe. Data is received by the network management system from the communication network relating to a network object or a network device or the like of a specific type. The network management system adapts a pre-configured information of a template corresponding to this type of network object or network device or the like depending on the received data.

Abstract: A method of operating a communication network with a network management system is described. Said communication network comprises a number of objects being stored in a database on a server. Said network management system is located on the server which can be accessed by a client. Said method of operating the communication network comprises the transmission of data between the server and the client under the use of the Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA). Said method comprises the step of using a single definition for creating a number of objects.

Abstract: An interface to a network management system of a communication network is described. The communication network comprises a number of objects being stored in a database on a server. The network management system is located on the server which may be accessed by a client. The communication network comprises the transmission of data between the server and the client under the use of the Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA). The interface comprises a definition for a struct which only includes at least one attribute but no operation. Furthermore, the interface provides a factory for retrieving these structs, and creating objects representing elements of the communication network.