An environment for supporting cooperative operation over multiple networks

If a service extends over multiple networks, network operators of these networks should be able to negotiate service provision and contract establishment with each other. We have developed a support environment allowing such negotiation for a target service of network management of an ATM virtual path network. Network resource information of each network is protected against other network operators' tampering by classifying it according to the level of access permission. User friendly graphical objects in this environment facilitate the use of underlying management functions to manipulate the networks. A videoconferencing system is attached to the environment to help interaction among the operators. With all these features, this environment enables network providers to cooperate with each other to set up VP trails in quick response to customer's demands.