Reusable management frameworks for third-generation wireless networks

The software that supports telecommunications network elements encompasses a multitude of different functions. Besides the features and functionality that support service, call, and connection control, a vast amount of software is required to support network management functionality. Within a single network element, this support includes aspects of event management, performance management, and configuration/ data management. This network management functionality, although frequently overlooked during initial system specification, often constitutes the majority of the effort during software design and construction. This paper describes recent progress in the analysis of common management functionality using design pattern and framework technology. This recurring functionality is abstracted and encapsulated into a set of reusable software assets. The paper describes how these assets are being used in the management of Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA*)- and simple network management protocol (SNMP)-based third-generation wireless networks, supporting both voice and high-speed data services.