NEXT-GENERATION SWITCHING (NGS) SYSTEM MAINTENANCE OPERATIONS MODEL

This paper provides a view of the next generation switching (NGS) syst em maintenance operations model based on potential switching technolog ies. Several potential benefits of the NGS system maintenance over tod ay's switch maintenance are discussed with emphasis on functions but n ot on costs. A set of maintenance functions required for the NGS syste m is provided, using the LSSGR and OTGR as guidelines. The definition associated with each maintenance function is also presented. Finally, issues related to the NGS module structure and definition are identifi ed and discussed because the progress of the overall NGS work is large ly dependent on the resolution of these issues. The purpose of this wo rk is twofold: (i) to place switch maintenance functions into the NGS operations model; and (ii) to provide a guideline for further defining switch maintenance functions which are/will be unique to NGS.