Distributed ATM network management system based on routes

A distributed network management system (NMS) is urgently needed to manage large number of network managed objects (MOs) such as public network MOs. T he ATM Forum has proposed the M4-interface to achieve just such a distribut ed NMS. However, the basis of the M4-interface is not adequate in terms of flexible distribution, because its main unit of distribution is location. T o improve the granularity of the distribution, we have defined the route as a further unit of distribution. We also describe new MOs that provide for a distribution based on routes. A more detailed distribution is then possib le than with a distribution purely based on location. In addition, we propo se a new CMIP Action to move MOs from one sub-NMS (SubNMS) to another while the system is running. Using this Action, we can achieve a more flexible d istribution in terms of network problems and load.