ents. When col- lecting data from multiple network elements the OSF represents the server and the network elements are the clients that provide data popularly called agents. 2. Mediation functions (MF): There is sometimes a need for the presence of a mediation component while communicating with OSF. Some of the possible scenarios include filtering of irrelevant information, conversion from one for- mat to another, and SO forth. Mediation functions block is the conceptual representation of the functions performed by this mediator. The function blocks that are part of the TMN are: 1. Network element functions (NEF): The functions performed by the network elements constitute the NEF block. Network element functions consist of both primary functions and management functions. The primary functions are outside the scope of TMN making NEF only part of the TMN. The management functions of the network element are the functions performed by NE as an agent in sending management data to the OSF. 2. Work station functions (WSF): The WSF block allows operators to interpret management information. The WSF also includes support for interfacing to a human user, which is not considered to be part of the TMN. Thus it is only part of the TMN. 3. Q-adapter functions (QAF): The QAF block is used to connect to the TMN those entities that do not support standard TMN interaction. The TMN functional architecture also includes: Reference points Data communication function Functional components Fundamentals of EMS, NMS and OSS/BSS Reference point Non-TMN Non-TMN Figure 2.3 TMN functional architecture. 1. Reference points: The concept of the reference point is used to delineate func- tion blocks. 2. Data communication function: DCF is used by the function blocks for exchanging information. 3. Functional components: TMN function blocks are composed of a number of functional components. The following functional components are defined in M.3010 and this standards document can be referred for details on the functional components: a. Management a