Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput – Computer network managing
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-10
2001-11-27
Teska, Kevin J. (Department: 2123)
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput
Computer network managing
C709S224000, C709S226000, C709S217000, C709S230000, C709S241000, C707S793000, C707S793000, C717S152000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06324576
ABSTRACT:
The invention relates to a management interworking unit (MIU) and to a method for producing such a unit. The invention relates particularly, but not exclusively, to interworking of telecommunication systems.
There are numerous situations where a management interworking unit is required to allow management systems to interoperate. In one typical example, one management system is a PABX supporting a proprietary management interface and the other is a remote manager which supports a standardised interface. The MIU will provide conversion of protocol and information allowing the remote manager to control the PABX.
MIUs typically have a conversion function often referred to as an information conversion function (ICF), and interfaces often referred to as message communication functions (MCFs). An example of an MIU is that described in PCT patent specification No. WO95/23469 (British Telecommunications PLC). The ICF includes a mapper
44
and the MCFs includes stacks
40
and
52
. While such MIUs are generally quite effective, they are often difficult to produce because there is a large degree of manual input, and they are difficult to modify or expand.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is directed towards providing an improved management interworking unit which has a simpler construction.
Another object is to provide a method for producing a management interworking unit which is more efficient than has heretofore been the case.
According to the invention, there is provided a process for producing a management interworking unit for a pair of management interfaces comprising the steps of:
producing an information conversion function (ICF) by:
storing a model associated with each interface, each model comprising objects representing managed resources, and
creating mappings including run time conversion functions between equivalent parts of the models; and
producing a message communication function (MCF) associated with each management interface, each MCF comprising means for performing format conversion between the external protocol of the associated interfaces and an internal protocol for the ICF.
By creating models and subsequently creating mappings between equivalent parts of the models the production of the ICF may be automated to a large extent. This considerably reduces the lead time in producing an MIU. Further, by separating out format conversion as an operation which is performed exclusively by the MCF, the task of producing the MIU is broken down in a simple manner. All internal communication uses the internal protocol and the MCFs solely carry out the format conversion which is required for communication with the interworked management interfaces.
In one embodiment, each model comprises objects in a containment hierarchy providing a containment context for each object. In this way, the managed resources are represented in a simple manner which reflects their structure.
Preferably, each object has a class defined by characteristics independently of the context. It has been found that by linking the class and the context, a very effective way has been found for automatically identifying equivalent parts of the two models. This allows a large degree of automation.
Preferably, the models are created at least partially automatically by loader modules. The processing operations of loader modules may be carried out very efficiently.
In one embodiment, the models are created for management interface specifications, and specification free text is manually converted to the model language. This helps to ensure that any ambiguities which may exist in the specifications are not transferred to the models.
Preferably, the mappings are between individual objects and between groups of objects having the same class and context, namely context classes. This provides a very comprehensive set of mappings.
Preferably, the mappings define context class cardinality. In one embodiment, the mappings are created between context classes, and preferably also between objects, and preferably also between object characteristics.
In one embodiment, the characteristics include object functions (or actions), relationships, attributes, notifications, and behaviour. It has been found that this set of characteristics comprehensively characterise each object.
Preferably, the mappings are created interactively using a graphical interface representing the models and the mappings. This is a very simple and fast way of creating the mappings.
Ideally, the mappings are predicated by run time rules selected for the mappings.
In one embodiment, the process has the further step of pre-compiling the models and the mappings to a template to produce source code.
Ideally, the template is manually modified after pre-compiling and flags are inserted in the template to differentiate automatically generated coded from manually generated code.
In one embodiment, searches are carried out to determine if a proposed mapping has previously been made for similar characteristics and such mappings may be re-used.
According to another aspect, the invention provides a management interworking unit (MIU) for at least two management interfaces comprising:
an information conversion function (ICF) comprising:
a model associated with each interface, each model comprising objects representing managed resources, and
run time conversion mappings between equivalent parts of the models; and
a message communication function (MCF) associated with each management interface, each MCF comprising means for performing format conversion between the external protocol of the associated interface and an internal protocol of the ICF.
This structure of MI stimulates the re-use of individual MCF/ICF components.
Preferably, each model comprises objects in a containment hierarchy providing a containment context for each object.
In one embodiment, each object has a class defined by characteristics independently of the context.
Preferably, the mappings are between individual objects and between groups of objects having the same class and context, namely context classes.
In one embodiment, the mappings define context class cardinality.
Ideally, mappings link context classes, and preferably also link objects, and preferably also link object characteristics.
In one embodiment, the object characteristics include object functions or actions, relationships, attributes, notifications, and behaviour.
In some cases, mappings are predicated by run time rules selected for the mappings.
In one embodiment the internal protocol includes primitives controlling start, end, and rollback of atomic transactions in the ICF.
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“Management of Virtual Private Networks for Integrated Broadband Communications”, Schneider et al., SIGCOMM'93, 1993 ACM.*
T. Leskinen, “GSM Subscriber Management on Top of a Generic TMN Agent,”PIMRC,IEEE International Symposium on Personal Indoor & Mobile Radio Communications, vol. 3, pp. 1004-1008, Sep. 1994.
M. Jander, “SNMP Management Unbound,”Data Communications, vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 125, 126, 128, Feb. 1992.
McGrath Damian
Newcombe Adrian
Burns Doane Swecker & Mathis L.L.P.
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
Teska Kevin J.
Thomson William
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