Q3 object models for the management of exchanges

The article discusses the Q3 object models from ETSI and ITU-T that are applicable to the management of exchanges, with a perspective on relevant standards being developed in the near future and possible new items for standardization. It examines issues to be considered when implementing object models in existing network elements (NEs). Methods are introduced through which the vendor- and operator-specific extensions necessary to control the complete set of functions of an exchange can be based on the existing Q3 models. All Q3 object models have in common that they provide an abstract management view of the exchange while hiding the specific technical implementation from the operator. In principle, this management view can be split into three different functional areas: subscriber management; traffic management; and management of other system internal resources.