Abstract: A resource handler for use in an operational support structure for managing a telecommunications network. The handler includes a service and resource database containing information regarding network resources. The database arrangement is structured so that each resource in the network has a time of existence as well as a place in a hierarchy of parent/child relations. The resource is defined by the following data: a point identifier that has characteristics associated with it, in the form of an abstract description of the resources capabilities; an abstraction of a common network element represented by a group of points that are considered to belong together, and a connection, which is defined by two connected points.

Abstract: A resource handler for use in an operational support structure for managing a telecommunications network comprises a service and resource database containing information regarding network resources. The database arrangement is structured so that each resource in the network has a time of existence as well as a place in a hierarchy of parent/child(s) relations. The resource is defined by the following data: a point (11) identifier that has characteristics associated to it, in the form of an abstract description of its capabilities; an abstraction of the common network element (10) in the sense of a group of points (11) that are considered to belong together, and a connection (12) which is defined by two connected points.