Abstract: A method of managing a communications network is described which makes use of information about the current state of the network and in addition, information about past and/or future states of the network. Information about the current state of the network is stored in a management information base (MIB) and the information about the past/future states is either stored in this MIB, or separate past/future MIBs are created. The information about the past/future states is stored in a way such that it can be operated on in the same way as the information about the current state of the network. By storing the information in this way management of the network is improved. For example, future states of the network can be tested before being implemented. Also, information about past states can be used to predict future states. Fault management, configuration management, accounting management and performance management can all be improved by using the information about past/future states.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing at least part of a communications network and particularly for managing a customer network, for example, within an asynchronous transfer mode communications network. A predictor is used to predict parameters such as bandwidth levels and to predict when the parameter(s) will exceed capacity or previously agreed thresholds. These agreed levels may be specified for example in a service level agreement between a service provider and a customer. The predictor also predicts, how much excess there will be and how long this will occur for. This information is provided to the service provider/customer and also can be provided to an agent which comprises a computer system. This agent negotiates on behalf of either the customer (for example) with another agent acting on behalf of the service provider (for example) and in this way new terms for an agreement between the two parties is obtained.

Abstract: A method of message management in a communications network. The method comprises the steps of: (i) storing information comprising information about the communications network and user messages for message formats; (ii) storing at least one user message in one of a plurality of formats, the message being required to be sent using the communications network; (iii) negotiating, using one of the automated agents with one or more other of the automated agents; and (iv) using the one automated agent, determining, on the basis of the negotiation and the information, which of a second plurality of formats to send the user message in.