Abstract: A method is provided for interconnecting base stations of a cellular network via a transport network which comprises a plurality of network elements (NEs), wherein at least two of the plurality of NEs are collocated with respective base stations. The method comprises the steps of: establishing in the TN at least one proximity group that comprises a plurality of geographically adjacent NEs; establishing a logical grid connectivity between NEs that are members of the same proximity group to enable direct communications there-between, thereby enabling establishment of communications paths between base stations collocated with the at least two of the plurality of NEs, wherein that path extends via the at least two respective NEs communicating directly there-between.

Abstract: A method is provided for interconnecting base stations of a cellular network via a transport network which comprises a plurality of network elements (NEs), wherein at least two of the plurality of NEs are collocated with respective base stations.

Abstract: For use in a multi-protocol layered transmissions network including a plurality of network elements, a hybrid network element capable of operating at more than two layers, and a method for displaying a model of the multi-protocol layered transmissions network. The method comprises the steps of: determining different and preferably hierarchically related protocol layers in the multi-protocol layered transmissions network; and for each protocol layer, displaying an overlay including the hybrid network elements if operative in the protocol layer, displaying at least one physical link and/or a logical link interconnecting pairs network elements, wherein displaying a logical link so as to show that transport service along the logical link is at least partially provided by a transmission path on a protocol layer underlying the protocol layer. The method preferably comprises displaying a pair of association links between each logical link and its associated transmission path.

Abstract: A system and a method preferably intended for determining a path between a plurality of network domains in a network according to at least one path attribute. The path attributes are preferably stored in a database, and are used in order to determine a suitable path for data transport between the plurality of network domains. The particular desired outcome for selecting the path depends upon the nature of the path and the type of attributes which are selected for determining the path. Preferably, the system and method are employed for telecommunication networks, for example for connecting telephone exchanges and/or customer data equipment with service providers.

Abstract: For use in a multi-protocol Network Management System application for managing a multi-protocol layered transmissions network including a plurality of network elements, a method for generating a model of the multi-protocol layered transmissions network, the method comprising the steps of: determining the protocol layers in the multi-protocol layered transmissions network; and for each protocol layer, mapping out an overlay including the network elements operative in the protocol layer, and at least one physical link and/or the logical links interconnecting pairs of network elements where transport service along a logical link is at least partially provided by a transmission path on a protocol layer directly underlying the protocol layer, and the pair of association links between each logical link and its associated transmission path.