? A telecom network is comprised of multiple network elements. When different vendors came up with their own custom main network elements and management solutions for the elements, there was a need to create or identify standard interfaces that would allow a network to be managed consistently across all network ele- ment suppliers. The TMN was a strategic goal from ITU-T toward defining these standards. The relationship between TMN and a telecom network is shown in Figure 2.2. The figure gives the following information: A telecom network is comprised of switching systems (exchanges) and trans- mission systems. TMN Model Management system Network to for the network be managed interface Figure 2.1 TMN and telecom network. TMN is comprised of multiple operations systems. For example a separate os for provisioning, another for traffic management, and SO forth. Operations systems perform most of the management functions. Data communication network is used to exchange management information between the operation systems. It thus forms the link between TS/SS in tele- com network and os in TMN. Work stations allow operators to interpret management information. A workstation can take input from a data communication network or from an operation system. Hence we have the TMN interface that is comprised of the following elements: Roles and relationships of communicating TMN entities OAM&P requirements (operation, administration, maintenance, and provisioning) Application and resource information models Protocols for transport of information Since the scope of TMN is clear from Figure 2.2, now let us identify the items that are defined by TMN inside its scope with TMN entities and the managed network. TMN can be said to be: A set of architectures that: - Define management activities - Define tasks associated with the activity - Define data communication in the activities - Map relation between management entities and associated data, task, and activities A set of models that: - Separate technology, network, service, and busin