Customer network management: a service provider's view

Experience in providing network management for the 1986 Pan American (Pan Am) Games in Indianapolis USA are described. The situation called for an integrated solution that could manage the 5000 voice, data, and video circuits residing within several different networks providing communications for 6500 data terminals and 143 computers spanning 40 locations. The scope of network management is examined, separating it into two parts: management of the specific local exchange carrier services and integrating that with the management of all other products and services. The driving forces behind the need for customer network control are discussed. A two-stage approach to achieving that control is presented.<
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