Network elements include any kind of
shelf-based telecom or data-communications equipment (a switch, a
multiplexer, a cross-connect, and so on), outside plant equipment
(coax node), and peripheral equipment (terminal or printer).
Network element representations
A network element can be represented by a
pictorial representation (bitmap image or vector drawing), a
symbol, or a shape. Not all physical details of the element are
visible in the representation.
- Pictorial representation.The network element base is a bitmap image or vector drawing. This drawing is meant to be realistic. Several predefined bases are available for shelf-based equipment, terminals, and mobile phone access network elements. New bases can easily be introduced by providing bitmap images.
Pictorial representations of shelf-based equipment and terminal - Symbolic representation. The network element base has a square and the network element function is denoted by a symbol containing ITU/ANSI or traditional symbols. The default type corresponding to the default symbolic network element representation is called NE (Network Element). The following figure illustrates an NE type network element: here, an add-drop multiplexer with a capacity of OC192.
Symbolic representation of NE type network element - Shape representation. The network element base has a geometric shape that symbolizes the network element type (or function class). The center of the base may contain an icon that further refines the network element function. Several predefined shapes are provided as types of the network elements. The following figure illustrates a Mux shape network element.
Shape representation of mux network element
Partial network elements
A partial network element is an
abstraction which denotes a network element that is only part of
the real-world network element. Partial network elements can be
used in several situations, for example:
- To represent distributed clusters where parts of a cluster need to be divided across different subnetworks.
- To allow one network element to be used by different service providers. In this case, the network element needs to be divided in several parts. Each part is represented as a partial network element and its state reflects only the elements that are interesting for the service provider that is using it.
Partial network elements are graphically
represented by an icon located at the bottom left of the network
element base.
Partial network elements expanded and
collapsed
Shortcuts
A shortcut network element is an
abstraction denoting an object that is only a reference to an
existing network element.
Shortcuts can be either standard or
dangling. In the first case, the
network element is a shortcut to another object that is managed
by the system. In the second case, the network element is a
shortcut to an object that is currently not available, which
means that the shortcut is dangling and needs to be validated by
the management system.
Shortcut network elements are graphically
represented by an icon located at the bottom left of the network
element base.
Standard shortcuts
Sample links
For more information about network elements, see Network elements.