Table Of Contents

MWFM NMOS Overview

Introduction to the FCAPS model

Introduction to MWFM NMOS

The components of MWFM NMOS

Multiple domains

Logging into the NMOS databases

Configurable data flow

Conclusion

MWFM NMOS Overview

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This chapter introduces the concept of MWFM Network Management Operating System (NMOS), the foundation of a true Network Management Operating System.

Introduction to the FCAPS model

In an effort to provide focus and consistency in the area of Network Management, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) developed an international network management model known as the FCAPS model. This model identifies five key areas that make up the backbone of network management: Fault Management, Configuration Management, Accounting, Performance Management and Security. MWFM NMOS was designed to incorporate the FCAPS model and provide an integrated network management solution.

Introduction to MWFM NMOS

MWFM NMOS sits between the network and network management applications. It serves as a platform that enables other applications to integrate with NMOS in order to form a comprehensive network management solution that is as efficient as possible

Figure 3-1 The relationship between the FCAPS model and MWFM NMOS.

MWFM NMOS maps and distributes the network topology, interprets and distributes class-based management policy issues and provides the basis for retrieval of device-specific data from the network devices through an extensible polling mechanism.

MWFM NMOS is extensible and scalable, i.e., it is possible to plug in one or more network management applications which make use of the processes available in MWFM NMOS to gather application-specific data and perform application-specific tasks.

The components of MWFM NMOS

The following illustration and accompanying table identify the core components that constitute MWFM NMOS. The interaction of these processes is crucial in order for MWFM NMOS to achieve its full functionality

Multiple domains

An important feature of MWFM NMOS is that you are able to distribute it over multiple domains. This means that you can have different topologies or views of the network, each running in a specified manner without interference. The NMOS component DIST handles the distribution into multiple domains and is detailed in "The DIST Component."

Logging into the NMOS databases

A key feature of MWFM NMOS is the complete flexibility of the data flow throughout the whole process. This is achieved by the utilization of databases as the basis of MWFM NMOS, which can be queried and modified. In order to interrogate the databases of MWFM NMOS, use the Object Query Language (OQL) and its service provider riv_oql to log on to the databases. Further information regarding OQL can be found in "The OQL Language."

The ability to log on to the databases of MWFM NMOS for many possibilities, some of which are highlighted in the list below:

•It allows you to check the processes that are running and their status by interrogating the relevant databases.

•It allows you to run and manage processes in real time by making insertions into the relevant databases.

•It allows you to instigate the discovery of a device during the discovery process by making an insertion of the relevant data into the relevant tables.

Generally speaking, the boundaries of what you can do with riv_oql are only limited by the complexity of the manipulative statements that you issue into the databases. All the databases used in MWFM NMOS are provided with a complete schema definition.

Configurable data flow

Another distinctive feature of MWFM NMOS is the flexibility offered by special configurable processes called Stichers that are available in DISCO. They can be written using the Stitcher language, the complete syntax definition for which is provided in "The Stitchers,"of this guide. Stitchers can do any of the following:

•Move information between DISCO database(s), i.e., one to many, one to one, or even many to one.

•Process information midway between database(s).

•Serve as the frame work for the construction of recursive Discovery Agents.

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Note Stitchers are processes that move and manipulate information between databases. They can be configured and serve as the basis for controlling the NMOS data flow.

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The flexibility of the Stitcher processes is discussed in depth in "The Discovery Process"and "The Stitchers," of this guide.

Conclusion

This chapter introduced the FCAPS model and explored the architecture of MWFM NMOS, into which network management applications are able to integrate and form complete solution. Additionally, a synopsis of the core components of MWFM NMOS was presented along with a preview of OQL—the tool used to manipulate, interrogate and configure databases used by MWFM NMOS.

The next chapter introduces the concepts of the containment data model, object modelling and inheritance. It also covers the concept of using Active Object Classes for network management.