A "Container" MIB for end-to-end management of ADSL networks

Abstract

This document presents a MIB (Management Information Base) for use in the end-to-end management of networks which utilize ADSL (Asymmetric Dual Subscriber Line) technology for the "last mile" (i.e. communication between the PSTN central office and users' premises.) The "Container" MIB is useful to the Network Management System (NMS) in abstracting information derived from lower network layers and in cross-referencing elements of disparate network layers. The Container MIB is described here in the context of networks which use ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) technology for the backbone. Conceptually, the Container MIB is above the ATM, ADSL, and entity MIBs in the management hierarchy, and bridges between ATM and ADSL network segments. We demonstrate how the Container MIB can be used in the implementation of several unique network management functions endemic to ATM/ADSL networks.