Intelugent tools for network management

The management of modern telecommunication networks is a complex and labour-intensive task which requires the assimilation of vast amounts of information and the application of operators' judgement and expertise. Emerging computing and communication technologies enable the development of advanced tools which help operators manage their networks more effectively and economically. However, for these tools to be effective, they must be integrated in the users environments, and must meet the stringent operating requirements of robustness, real-time performance, and adaptability to the individual site and operators needs. The paper summarizes our design experience and trial results over the last several years of developing increasingly sophisticated network management tools. Next, we present an analysis of the requirements for successful introduction of these tools into network operations which is based on exploiting the synergies of multiple technologies, the functional and architectural integra- tion of the tools within the users environments, and the adherence to a software life cycle model which ensures the quality and evolution of the developed tools. Finally, the paper presents a detailed case study which shows the successful application of the above principles to the development of advanced surveillance tools for the DPN packet switching networks.