WDM Network Management: Experiences gained in a European Field Trial

The European research project MOON (Management of Optical Networks) has developed a concept for the management of optical WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplex) networks based on the TMN architecture. This concept comprises the Operation, Administration, and Maintenance (OAM) mechanisms as well as an information model specified in GDMO (Guidelines for the Definition of Managed Objects). A prototype network called MOONET has been installed which extends over about 500 km and connects sites in Germany and Austria. In this network, the relevant components of the management concept are implemented in hardware and TMN software. At present, field trial experiments are being carried out in order to evaluate the management concepts under realistic conditions of network operation. This contribution describes the management concepts in terms of the functional architecture, the OAM concepts, and the information model. The infrastructure of the field trial is explained and an overview over the experiments is given. On the WDM layer, experiments on configuration and fault management are performed, where the focus is on fault management. Furthermore, aspects of the inter-working between the WDM layer and ATM as a client of the network are studied.