ISSN:
1573-7705
Keywords:
Application interoperability
;
building block
;
contract
;
distributed operations applications
;
distributed processing environment
;
element management
;
network management
;
network operations
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Computer Science
Notes:
Abstract The emerging multi-layer functional model for network operations decomposes management functions into several layers:Service Management Layer, Network Management Layer, Element Management Layer, andElement Layer. To realize the full benefits of this functional distribution, a reference architecture for operations applications is needed. This architecture should enable flexible placement of functions in computing systems or nodes, enable hiding of the complexities of distribution from applications, and prescribe principles for the specification of application interfaces to facilitate application interoperability. This paper describes such a framework architecture. In this framework, applications are deployed in software units calledbuilding blocks, each of which is independently installed and administered. Building blocks interact via interfaces calledcontracts. A contract is an “open” interface that is specified according to some principles, such as adherence to standard communication paradigms, separation of engineering aspects from functional aspects, and support for previous interface versions. The infrastructure, called theDistributed Processing Environment (DPE), provides communication and security services that enable building blocks to interact via contracts. The DPE provides access and location transparency to applications. The paper presents details of this architecture framework and an example to illustrate specification of contracts for network management functions.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01036915
Permalink
