OA&M for full services access networks

A number of network operators and suppliers have collaborated in the full services access network (FSAN) initiative to agree on a common set of requirements for broadband networks. This article presents the OA&M requirements that have been considered by the OA&M working group with a view to reducing equipment and operational costs. In considering OA&M costs it is necessary to take into account both equipment costs and operational costs. The main principles presented for minimizing OA&M costs are: the use of standard interfaces and information models where possible; minimizing the need for special operational skills and maintenance tools; provision of accurate maintenance information by the system; promoting reuse by locating complex functions at common points to enable sharing of platforms; provision of functions for locating faults and detecting network degradation; and the need to build in the ability to evolve and upgrade the network and its management capability.