Abstract: In a communication network, the network management system NMS keeps one or more element management system EMS in synchronization of network topology changes using requests that are automatically generated or manually requested and then sent from the NMS to the affected EMS(s) whenever a node topology change is made at the NMS. Examples of changes are node creation, node move, node group move, node group renaming, etc. As the changes are completed in the EMS topology database, the EMS sends acknowledgments of the request to the NMS. This functionality requires verification of the validity of the request for that specific EMS, before the change is implemented at the NMS.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method of managing service information in a network management system. The method includes the steps of loading the service information from a database into objects in a structure stored in a memory, receiving a change to be made to the service information, updating particular objects in accordance with the received change and sending a change notification to network nodes in accordance with a relationship in the structure between the particular objects.

Abstract: In a communication network, the network management system NMS keeps one or more element management system EMS in synchronization of network topology changes using requests that are automatically generated or manually requested and then sent from the NMS to the affected EMS(s) whenever a node topology change is made at the NMS. Examples of changes are node creation, node move, node group move, node group renaming, etc. As the changes are completed in the EMS topology database, the EMS sends acknowledgments of the request to the NMS. This functionality requires verification of the validity of the request for that specific EMS, before the change is implemented at the NMS.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for managing nodes of a network. In one embodiment, the invention is implemented as part of a computer based network management system. The system allows a network operator to select, view and modify the configuration of a logical group node at any level of a network hierarchy. The configuration of a logical group node may include, without limitation, logical group node attributes, summary addresses, and any other information that may be relevant to implementing the desired function of a logical group node. After a change is made to the configuration of a logical group node, the system automatically identifies all physical nodes that may potentially function as the logical group node whose configuration has changed, and causes the configurations of the logical group node to be updated on the identified physical nodes to reflect the change made to the logical group node.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method of managing service information in a network management system. The method includes the steps of loading the service information from a database into objects in a structure stored in a memory, receiving a change to be made to the service information, updating particular objects in accordance with the received change and sending a change notification to network nodes in accordance with a relationship in the structure between the particular objects.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of provisioning communication service attributes for a subscriber accessing a node in communication network. In an embodiment, the method comprises: (i) creating a profile of said communication service attributes, each of said attributes being assigned a value; and (ii) selectively associating said profile with a particular subscriber for access to said communication network. In another embodiment, the profile of said communication service attributes is embodied in a subscriber service provisioning profile for storing shared subscriber service attributes that are common to a plurality of subscribers in a class; and the subscriber accesses the communication network through a subscriber service, the subscriber service being associated with the subscriber service provisioning profile.