The Xcoop specification presented in this article is a step ahead in the evolutionary process of this system interface. Distinguishing it from previous work, it permits interactions between management systems independent of the underlying network technology -ATM, SDH, or hybrid. This is achieved by defining the appropriate functionality and presenting an information model, where, in fact, the specific characteristics of the ATM and SDH resources are abstracted and merged in common classes.The work presented here was undertaken as part of the EU ACTS project MISA [6] and is focused on the requirements, specification, and implementation of an Xcoop interface for ATM and SDH networks. The next section presents an overview of topics to cover in the context of multidomain management. In the following one, the MISA approach is presented as a solution for the ongoing challenges. Finally, the last two sections are devoted to the Xcoop interface itself and also include a scenario involving the key MISA components in a representative network environment.
lSSUES IN MULTIDOMAIN NETWORK MANAGEMENTBy selecting a business case rather than a technical one, we consider how a value-added service provider (VASP) can offer one-stop shopping for videoconferencing services. These services could be directed to international corporations for which videoconference services can provide advantages, such as security companies, hospitals, manufacturers offering remote repair services, educational institutions, and entertainment enterprises. To provide these videoconferencing services, the VASP should use bearer connectivity services provided by public network operators (PNOs). From the VASP point of view the services should exhibit, among other properties, seamless international coverage, broadband connectivity, and easy access through defined service access points (SAPs). These S A P s should fulfill the VASP users' needs, allowing them the service specification in terms of quality of service (QoS), bandwidth, scheduling, and other requirements. In the context of this article, these types of services are referred to as broadband connectivity services (BCS). The above commercial example is just one among many
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