By Yi Liang
Network management and support systems are needed for all three layers in the NGN. Management of infrastructure in an Enterprise or Carrier environment is getting more complex as data, voice and video converge into one ubiquitous IP packet based network. The challenge comes from migrating legacy equipment with next generation infrastructure to work harmoniously to provide a high quality of service to its users. Providers today are already seeing the commoditization of their services by increased competition. Therefore next generation management systems need to manage more, reduce costs, and be agile to meet further business needs.
Key areas to focus on are:
- Understanding trends in management protocols like NETCONF and WS-Management
- Using cutting edge Rich Internet Application technologies to enable interfaces to the web without compromising usability or functionality that customers have grown accustomed to
- Developing new methods for fast data store and retrieval to make data collection more scalable
- Devise new algorithms to ensure QoS is maintained across different services
- Devise new methods for quicker fault detection and fault resolution
- Create ways of making the management of devices as generic as possible so that systems can support next generation infrastructure
