TINA connection management implementation over distributed processing platforms

TINA architecture is defined to be applicable to software applications operating in the network, and one of the more straightforward impacts is on management applications. The object oriented paradigm has been widely accepted as the means for structuring management communications. Moreover network management platforms operating on top of general purpose hardware and software computer systems are already available on the market, thus responding to requirements, such as modularity and flexibility, that are part of the objectives of the TINA architecture. The paper describes the results of the experience of implementing a management application, specifically a connection management application, structured according to object-oriented paradigms and running on multiple interoperable distributed processing environments. Traditionally connection management has been always considered as control operations which are viewed as being different from management. In case of TINA connection management we deal with real-time and dynamic management operations. After a brief introduction on the chosen application scenario and the consequent generic requirements on the connection management system, an implementation case is described especially focusing on software platform aspects and applications interoperability.