Specification of a Policy Based Network Management architecture

NATO is transitioning from traditional circuit-switched networks to what is known as IP converged networks. There is a migration path towards an IP based network for all the services that currently are offered over circuit-switched communication services. In this converged IP network scenario, it is fundamental to have mechanisms in place to efficiently manage the networks. This requires a new network management system that is service oriented and that captures operational needs of customers in high level policies that are subsequently translated into network operational parameters and device configurations. Policy Based Network Management (PBNM) has emerged as a promising paradigm for network operation and management. PBNM is a condition-action-response mechanism to provide automated responses to changing network or operational conditions based on pre-defined policies and using an abstraction/translation mechanism. Policies are rules governing the choices in behavior of a system, it is a way to guide the behavior of a network through high level declarative directives. An extra level of complexity is the fact that NATO operates protected networks. This makes it difficult to manage and control the full end-to-end network from a single Operational Support System. (OSS). For PBNM to achieve optimal results full knowledge of the complete network must be available in a single system. This means that mechanisms of exchange of information between protected and un-protected domains need to be in place. This paper addresses the necessary functionality and a roadmap for the introduction of the PBNM concept in the NATO Communications Infrastructure.