Abstract: A method and system for automated discovery of logical network elements in a communications network speeds up and reduces the cost of discovering network elements and mapping network topology of network inter-connections. The method comprises the steps of building a cache of protection mechanisms in the communications network, building a network graph based on physical links of the communications network, traversing the network graph, comprising the step of, at each vertex of the network graph, determining whether there is a deterministic path that leads to a next vertex of the network graph, performing a depth first search on the network graph to determine connected components of the network graph, and creating the logical network elements based on the connected components of the network graph.

Abstract: Operations pertaining to FCAPS domain operations can be performed by the present technology in a highly efficient manner as SmartFCAPS solution makes user free from several operational issues such as selection, navigation relationships among objects, etc. SmartFCAPS provides an operations system for the end-user to perform FCAPS operations on various objects defined across TMN pyramid which in turn are applied on composed objects transparently. SmartFCAPS provides context sensitive user interface by configuring FCAPS domains according to the objects and task at hand. In addition, SmartFCAPS provides a integrated and consolidated view of information and allows horizontal access to FCAPS domains as supported by the object in the context.

Abstract: A network element management system which can exploit the customized interface features of a variety of versions of a variety of complex system products from a variety of manufacturers. This is done by maintaining a meta-model, which is not itself a model until instantiated, of the possible known product configurations to be interfaced to. Once the meta-model is instantiated, it provides configuration parameters which the interface program uses to build a correct configuration for the management and/or monitoring interface. This is particularly advantageous in the preferred embodiment of a telecommunications network element management system, but also has potential applicability to other large “supersystem” applications.

Abstract: An element management system that can itself be used to perform automatic remote backup of the network elements. A backup procedure is launched on a programmed schedule, to maintain a centrally located copy of the local data stored in the network elements (or their subcomponents). In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, a computer/software system for managing telecommunication network elements includes one or more operator-driven processes which monitor and manage network elements in real time, using at least one telecommunications network control channel. Background processes which remotely back-up information which had been locally stored in ones of said network is automatically initiated.

Abstract: Operations pertaining to FCAPS domain operations can be performed by the present technology in a highly efficient manner as SmartFCAPS solution makes user free from several operational issues such as selection, navigation relationships among objects, etc. SmartFCAPS provides an operations system for the end-user to perform FCAPS operations on various objects defined across TMN pyramid which in turn are applied on composed objects transparently. SmartFCAPS provides context sensitive user interface by configuring FCAPS domains according to the objects and task at hand. In addition, SmartFCAPS provides a integrated and consolidated view of information and allows horizontal access to FCAPS domains as supported by the object in the context.

Abstract: A new approach to maintaining concurrency in a network element management database. A background process constantly monitors the channels which carry network element configuration commands, and automatically parses any messages which carry information about the status of network elements. The information derived from parsing these messages is then used for a dynamic update of the database of network element attributes. This means that the database is completely current on the very latest status changes, and operators do not have to cross-check log files to see if their data is current. Instead, a simple database query retrieves fully current information.

Abstract: A method and system for automated discovery of logical network elements in a communications network speeds up and reduces the cost of discovering network elements and mapping network topology of network inter-connections. The method comprises the steps of building a cache of protection mechanisms in the communications network, building a network graph based on physical links of the communications network, traversing the network graph, comprising the step of, at each vertex of the network graph, determining whether there is a deterministic path that leads to a next vertex of the network graph, performing a depth first search on the network graph to determine connected components of the network graph, and creating the logical network elements based on the connected components of the network graph.

Abstract: A network management system program and graphical user interface for large-scale optical networks is described. The network management system includes a connection management system that allows a user to manually configure connections among network elements within the network. The user defines general connection attributes within the network and adds network elements to the route or routes. The user provisions crossconnects within each network element to establish the route connections. The connection management system includes a validation function to verify the validity of the user defined connections. A graphical user interface comprises a portion of a network management system that controls a network comprising a plurality of coupled computers.

Abstract: A network management system program and graphical user interface for large-scale optical networks is described. The network management system includes a connection management system that allows a user to manually configure connections among network elements within the network. The user defines general connection attributes within the network and adds network elements to the route or routes. The user provisions crossconnects within each network element to establish the route connections. The connection management system includes a validation function to verify the validity of the user defined connections. A graphical user interface comprises a portion of a network management system that controls a network comprising a plurality of coupled computers.

Abstract: A network element management system in which network elements can be grouped, and viewed and manipulated by groups. This provides both greater ease of use and faster response.

Abstract: A network management system program and graphical user interface for large-scale optical networks is described. The network management system includes a connection management system that allows a user to manually configure connections among network elements within the network. The user defines general connection attributes within the network and adds network elements to the route or routes. The user provisions crossconnects within each network element to establish the route connections. The connection management system includes a validation function to verify the validity of the user defined connections. A graphical user interface comprises a portion of a network management system that controls a network comprising a plurality of coupled computers.

Abstract: A new capability for managing complex cross-connects: instead of flipping through multiple windows to find the desired link, the operator can simply specify the endpoints. The system will then find the connect which links these endpoints, and bring it to the top (or make it visible).

Abstract: A network element management system which can exploit the customized interface features of a variety of versions of a variety of complex system products from a variety of manufacturers. This is done by maintaining a meta-model, which is not itself a model until instantiated, of the possible known product configurations to be interfaced to. Once the meta-model is instantiated, it provides configuration parameters which the interface program uses to build a correct configuration for the management and/or monitoring interface. This is particularly advantageous in the preferred embodiment of a telecommunications network element management system, but also has potential applicability to other large “supersystem” applications.

Abstract: A graphical user interface system for displaying one or more performance characteristics associated with a network span coupling a first network element to a second network element is described. In one embodiment, the system comprises a first display area displaying a performance characteristic related to transmission of a signal over a transmission channel of the first network element to a reception channel of the second network element; and a second display area displaying a counterpart performance characteristic for the reception channel of the second network element, wherein the counterpart performance characteristic measures a change in the performance characteristic after transmission of the signal over the network span.

Abstract: A network element management system which automatically configures itself, when an operator enters a component identifier, for optimal full-featured management of the identified component. This is preferably done by an autodiscovery process, and not by any mere lookup.

Abstract: A network element management system which automatically configures itself, when an operator enters a component identifier, for optimal full-featured management of the identified component. This is preferably done by an autodiscovery process, and not by any mere lookup.