The Vocabulary


This section lists the definitions of the terms most frequently used when speaking of or about Network Management. The intent of this information is to help people understand the many acronyms and words that are used in Network Management.

You can add to this list if you think it is missing something. (Since I am just starting this section, it is definitely missing a lot!).

If you think one of the definitions below is not correct or clear, please= submit another definition.

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Quick Index

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Asynchronous Transfer Mode
A high speed connection oriented switching and multiplexing technology that uses 53 byte cells (5 byte header, 48 byte payload) to transmit different types of traffic simultaneously, including voice, video and data. It is asynchronous in that information streams can be sent independently without a common clock. (Data Communications, Dec 1994)

ATM
See Asynchonous Transfer Mode

Abstract Syntax Notation One
The OSI language for describing abstract entities by using macros that build on simpler entities. The primary advantage of this syntax is that it is not dependent upon the underlying hardware.

ASN.1
See: Abstract Syntax Notation One

CMIP
Common Network Information Protocol, an application level protocol, specified by OSI, for network management.

EMS
Element Management System

An EMS manages a specific portion of the network. For example with a SunNet Manager, an SNMP management application, is used to manage SNMP manageable elements. Element Managers may manage async lines, multiplexers, PABX's, proprietary systems or an application.

(This definition is from Doug Stevenson's white paper on Network Management)

Fault Management
Fault management is the detection of a problem, fault isolation and correction to normal operation.

(This definition is from Doug Stevenson's white paper on Network Management)

ISDN
Integrated Services Digital Network - A switched digital transmission service provided by a local telco's switching office. Uses same copper as analog service so is practical for home, small office, school applications. Available in BRI (2 64Kb data channels 1 signaling channel) or PRI (23 bearer(data/voice) channels 1 signaling channel)

LMMP
LAN MAN Management Protocol, an IEEE standard for network management.

Managed Objects
Managed Objects are the devices, systems and/or anything else, e.g., protocols or applications requiring some form of monitoring and management.

(This definition is derived from Doug Stevenson's white paper on Network Management)

MIB
Management Information Base. The objects that are available in a managed system. The information is represented in Abstract Syntax Notation 1 (ASN.1)

MoM
Manager of Managers System

MoM systems integrate together the information associated with several element management systems, usually performing alarm correlation between EMS's.

(This definition is from Doug Stevenson's white paper on Network Management)

OSF
OPEN SYSTEMS FOUNDATION

OSI
OPEN SYSTEMS INTERCONNECTION

Simple Network Management Protocol
An application layer protocol that allows remote management of networked devices.

SNMP
See: Simple Network Management Protocol

SONET
Synchronous Optical Network


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