Next generation network performance management: a business perspective

Abstract

This paper addresses a Next Generation Network (NGN) performance management model in a business context. The CSIR is currently in the process of the concept design for the new Next Generation Communications Network (NGCN) for a large South African organization. The objective for the NGCN is to provide an integrated access and transport platform that supports a suite of advanced, end-to-end managed, voice, data, and video services. A concept design for the NGCN was done using International Telecommunications Union standards and a NGN architectural framework was designed to support the objective and business of the customer. The primary focus of the NGN is the delivery of a service that satisfies the quality requirements of the customer/user across a multitude of transport and access technologies on almost any user device. The most important and integral component of the NGCN NGN Architectural Framework is the physical and logical management of the network elements and services to provide maximum utility for the investment made. Implementing a new NGN requires large capital investment, which in turn requires the system to have a return on investment. This need to determine the value received from the investment lead to the development of a system performance model that could be related back to business performance. Performance management is examined from a user, service provider and enterprise perspective to determine the different views of performance and returns. The characteristics of a NGN are identified to determine the crucial performance parameters of a NGN and best practice for managing a NGN is established. The Business case of a NGN is examined from an enterprise and service provider point of view to enable the correlation between the performance of the NGN, investment cost and return on investment. The result is a model that defines the performance of a NGN network from a network management, users and investment perspective.