BIRLA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & SCIENCE, PILANI

WORK INTEGRATED LEARNING PROGRAMMES

COURSE HANDOUT

Part A: Content Design

Course Title Telecom Network Management

Course No(s) CSI ZG582 / SS ZG582
5
Credit Units

Course Author Anita Ramachandran

Version No 1.1
Date

Course Description:
This course covers a recap of networking fundamentals, the goals and challenges of network
management, the need for standards and protocols in this domain, SNMPv1/v2/v3, network
management applications, event correlation techniques, network management software systems
architecture and design considerations, TMN, broadband network management, advanced
management concepts. It also covers lab sessions on Net-SNMP and network monitoring
tools/utilities.

Course Objectives:

No Course Objective

CO1 Provide overview of network management principles, practices and technologies for managing
telecommunication and computer communication networks and services

CO2 Explain the theoretical and practical aspects of network management, from the perspectives of
software design and network operations.

CO3 Outline the concepts related to FCAPS, SNMP, RMON, monitoring tools and new trends in the
network management domain

CO4 Illustrate network management concepts with case studies and examples from industry
Text Book(s)
T1 Mani Subramanian, Network Management: Principles and Practice, 2nd edition, Pearson

Reference Book(s) & other resources

R1 Stallings, W., SNMP, SNMPv2, SNMPv3, and RMON 1 and 2, Reading, MA: Addison-
Wesley, 1998.
R2 Divakara K. Udupa, TMN Telecommunications Management Network, McGraw-Hill
Professional Pub., 1999
R3 SNMP RFCs 1157, 1905, 2571, 2572, 2573
R4 http://net-snmp.sourceforge.net

Modular Content Structure

M1. Data Communications and Network Management Overview
 Data and Telecom Network
 TCP/IP based networks
 Networks, systems and services
 Network Management: Goals, Organization, Functions
 Network Management Architecture & Organization

M2. Network Technology

 Network Topologies
 LANs
 Network Node Components
 WANs
 Transmission Technology

M3. Network Management: Standards, Models & Language

 Network Management Standards
 Network Management Models
 Information Model
 ASN.1

M4. SNMPv1
 SNMP Model
 Organizational Model
 System Overview
 Information Model: SMI, MIB
 SNMP Protocol Specifications & Operations

M5. SNMPv2
 Major changes in SNMPv2
 SNMPv2 System Architecture
 SNMPv2 SMI & MIB
 SNMPv2 Protocol

M6. SNMPv3
 SNMPv3 Key Features
 SNMPv3 Architecture
  SNMPv3 MIB
 Security
 SNMPv3 User based Security Model
 Access Control

M7. Lab
 Lab session to demonstrate SNMP based tools

M8. Network Management Tools & RMON

 System Utilities for Management
 Network Statistics Measurement Systems
 Commercial tools
 RMON SMI and MIB
 RMON1
 RMON2

M9. Network Management Applications

 Network Operating Centres - a brief overview
 Fault Management
 Configuration Management
 Accounting Management
 Performance Management
 Security Management
 Event Correlation Techniques
 Policy based Management
 Service Management

M10. Network Management Systems and Engineering

 Design considerations for network management systems

M11. TMN
 Why TMN
 TMN Architecture
 TMN Integrated View

M12. Broadband Network Management

 MPLS Network Technology
 MPLS OAM Management
 Optical Networks
 Cable Modem Technology
 DOCSIS Standards
 ADSL Architecture and Management
 PON Management

M13. Advanced Management Topics

 CORBA based NM technology
 XML based NM technology
 IPDR
  SDNs, Over The Air Provisioning (OTAP)
 Comparison of Management Technologies

M14. Case Studies

 Case studies to illustrate the application of network management practices to support service
and business level functions of an operator

Learning Outcomes:
No Learning Outcomes

LO1 Students shall gain ability to appreciate the network management principles applies in
various networks and organizations

LO2 Students shall be able to demonstrate the usage of one or more network management tools
to perform simple network management operations

LO3 Given a network management problem that an NOC could be faced with, students shall be
able to analyse the problem, explain possible scenarios that could have led to the problem,
and design solutions to address the same at the operations and business management level

LO4 Students shall be able to explain and compare alternate technologies for network
management used in different broadband access networks

Part B: Contact Session Plan

Academic Term First Semester 2022-2023

Course Title Telecom Network Management
Course No CSI ZG582 / SS ZG582
Lead Instructor Gopal Krishna Kamath

Glossary of Terms
1. Contact Hour (CH) stands for a hour long live session with students conducted either in a
physical classroom or enabled through technology. In this model of instruction, instructor led
sessions will be for 22 CH.
a. Pre CH = Self Learning done prior to a given contact hour
b. During CH = Content to be discussed during the contact hour by the course instructor
c. Post CH = Self Learning done post the contact hour
2. Contact Hour (CS) stands for a two-hour long live session with students conducted either in a
physical classroom or enabled through technology. In this model of instruction, instructor led
sessions will be for 11 CS.
a. Pre CS = Self Learning done prior to a given contact session
b. During CS = Content to be discussed during the contact session by the course
instructor
c. Post CS = Self Learning done post the contact session
 3. RL stands for Recorded Lecture or Recorded Lesson. It is presented to the student through an
online portal. A given RL unfolds as a sequences of video segments interleaved with
exercises
4. SS stands for Self-Study to be done as a study of relevant sections from textbooks and
reference books. It could also include study of external resources.
5. LE stands for Lab Exercises
6. HW stands for Home Work.
7. M stands for module. Module is a standalone quantum of designed content. A typical course
is delivered using a string of modules. M2 means module 2.

Teaching Methodology (Flipped Learning Model)

The pedagogy for this course is centered around flipped learning model in which the traditional class-
room instruction is replaced with recorded lectures to be watched at home as per the student’s
convenience and the erstwhile home-working or tutorials become the focus of classroom contact
sessions. Students are expected to finish the home works on time.

Contact Session Plan

o Each Module (M#) covers an independent topic and module may encompass more than one
Recorded Lecture (RL).
o Contact Sessions (2hrs each week) are scheduled alternate weeks after the student watches
all Recorded Lectures (RLs) of the specified Modules (listed below) during the previous week
o In the flipped learning model, Contact Sessions are meant for in-classroom discussions on
cases, tutorials/exercises or responding to student’s questions/clarification--- may encompass
more than one Module/RLs/CS topic.
o Contact Session topics listed in course structure (numbered CSx.y) may cover several RLs;
and as per the pace of instructor/students’ learning, the instructor may take up more than one
CS topic during each of the below sessions.

Detailed Structure
Introductory Video/Document: << Introducing the faculty, overview of the course, structure and
organization of topics, guidance for navigating the content, and expectations from students>>

 Each of the sub-modules of Recorded Lectures (RLx.y ) shall delivered via 30 – 60mins
videos followed by:
 Contact session (CSx.y) of 2Hr each for illustrating the concepts discussed in the videos with
exercises, tutorials and discussion on case-problems (wherever appropriate); contact sessions
(CS) may cover more than one recorded-lecture (RL) videos.
 Course Contents

Time Type Description Content

Reference
M1: Data Communications and Network Management Overview
M2: Network Topology
Pre-CS RL1.1 M1: Data Communications and Network Management
RL1.2 Overview:
RL1.3 RL1.1 Data Communications and Network Management
Overview
This introductory module talks about data and telecom
Networks, distributed computing environment, TCP/IP based
networks. This module is intended to be a recap of basic
networking fundamentals.
RL 1.2Communication Standards and Protocols
This sub-module explains why communication protocols are
required, in the context of interoperability. Also provides a brief
overview of OSI and Internet models.
RL 1.3Networks, Systems & Services
Introduces the concepts of network elements, services, broadband
networks, and provides a brief explanation of broadband network
technologies. This sub-module introduces the need for network
management by identifying some common network problems.
This sub-module also touches upon the goals of network
management, common challenges in network management and
introduces the students to a high-level architecture of network
management systems,
RL 2.1 M2: Network Topology:
RL 2.2 RL 2.1Network Topologies
This module describes the network topologies for LANs and
WANs, brief recap on how Ethernet works, the different
Ethernet technologies, and other Layer-2 technologies like
switched Ethernet, VLANs, Token Ring, FDDI and WLAN.
RL 2.2 Network Node Components
This sub-module talks about the different components in a
network – hubs, bridges, switches, routers, gateways, protocol
converters, edge routers etc. An explanation of the different
transmission technologies is given. It also talks about the various
network elements needed for different technologies like GSM,
CDMA, DOCSIS, PON etc.
During CS 1.0 Discuss the fundamentals of networking concepts, network
CS topologies, advantages and disadvantages of each, and the
different aspects of L2 and L3 network elements. At the end of
this session, students should have had a high level understanding
of the different network technologies and the various network
elements that constitute them, so that they are able to appreciate
the need for and the goals of network management.
Post-CS
Lab
Reference
 M3: Network Management: Standards, Models & Language
M4: SNMPv1 Organization & Information Models
Pre-CS RL 3.1 M3: Network Management: Standards, Models & Language:
RL 3.2 RL 3.1NM Standards, Models & Language Overview
RL 3.3 Having introduced the need of network management in M1 &
RL 4.1 M2, this sub-module describes in detail what network
RL 4.2 management is, and at a high level, how it is done. It then talks
RL 4.3 about the need for standards and protocols in network
management, and describes some models in more detail.
RL 3. 2Organization & Information Models
This sub-module describes the organization and information
models for network management. Introduces the concepts of
manager, agent, managed object, and the different types of
organization model.
RL 3. 3Communication & Functional Models
This sub-module describes the communication and functional
models for network management. Provides a brief overview of
ASN.1, and explains a MIB definition. It then talks about the
functional model for network management to introduce the
concepts of FCAPS.
M4: SNMPv1 Organization & Information Models:
RL 4.1SNMPv1 Organization Model
In this module, SNMP is introduced as an example of a network
management protocol. This sub-module talks about the SNMP
organization model, SNMP NM architecture, message types.
Also introduces the concept of MIBs
RL 4.2SNMPv1 Information Model
In this sub-module, how SNMP identifies a managed object, and
how information is represented for exchange between SNMP
entities is explained. Describes scalar and tabular objects.
RL 4.3SNMP v1 MIBs
This sub-module takes a more detailed look at some standard
SNMP MIBs.
During CS 2.0 Explain the relevance of interoperability with examples from real
CS deployment scenarios, and thus the need for network
management standards and protocols. Explain why we need
communication, functional, organization and information models
and what come under the purview of each. Introduce SNMP as
one of the network management protocols.
Post-CS LE 1. Install Net-SNMP. Configure it as given in the user
manual.
2. Install a graphical MIB browser like SnmpB.
3. Load the various MIBs and understand the capabilities of
the MIB browser.
Lab
Reference
M5: SNMPv1 Protocol Operations
M6: SNMPv2 & SNMPv3
Pre-CS RL 5.1 M5: SNMPv1 Protocol Operations:
RL 5.2 RL 5.1SNMPv1 Communication & Functional Models
This sub-module describes the different SNMP messages for
 communication between SNMP entities, and explains community
strings/profile. Also describes the functional model from an
FCAPS perspective.
RL 5.2SNMPv1 Protocol Operations
This sub-module describes the SNMP protocol stack, different
SNMP message formats, and how these messages are exchanged
between SNMP entities.
During CS 3.0 Examine Wireshark captures of SNMP messages between agents
CS and managers, to explain the SNMP protocol stack and what the
fields in these messages represent.
Post CS
RL 6.1 M6: SNMPv2 & SNMPv3:
RL 6.2 RL 6.1SNMPv2
RL 6.3 This sub-module describes the disadvantages of SNMPv1, and
LE the need for SNMP v2. It highlights the major differences
between SNMPv1 and SNMPv2, and explains the SNMPv2
protocol operations in detail.
RL 6.2SNMPv3
This sub-module describes the need for SNMPv3, its architecture
and applications.
RL 6.3SNMPv3 Security Model
This sub-module recaps some common security threats, and
explains the enhanced security features of SNMPv3.
LE:
1. Try out various SNMP commands supported by Net-
SNMP.
2. Configure Net-SNMP for SNMPv3, and examine the
SNMPv3 messages using Wireshark.
During CS 4.0 Explain the evolution of SNMP. Examine the protocol operation
CS and message structures (using Wireshark captures) of SNMPv2
and SNMPv3 messages. Understand the aspects of SNMPv3 that
provides it with strong security features. Evaluate SNMP with
respect to its strengths and weaknesses in today’s networking
environments.
Post CS
Lab
Reference
M7: Network Management Lab
M8: Network Management Tools, RMON
Pre-CS RL 7.1 M7: Network Management Lab:
RL 7.2 RL 7.1 Lab
RL 7.3 Net-SNMP demo
RL 8.1
RL 7.2 Lab
RL 8.2
SNMP MIB browser
RL 8.3
RL 7.3Lab
Network management tools, utilities
M8: Network Management Tools, RMON:
RL 8.1 Network Management Tools
This sub-module provides an overview of some system utilities,
 network routing and traffic monitoring tools for network
management. Also mentions some free and commercially available
NM tools.
RL 8.2RMON
This sub-module talks about what RMON is, some RMON MIBs,
and the advantages that network operators get by deploying it.
RL 8.3 Lab – MRTG
HW: Install MRTG. Run it for some time and observe the graphs
produced by the tool.
Set up Net-SNMP in a networked environment, and exchange
SNMP messages across different computers.
During CS 5.0  Demo session for Net-SNMP and MRTG
CS  Students are expected to attend the session with Net-SNMP and
MRTG running on their computers. At the end of this session,
students are expected to understand how SNMP works in terms
of information representation and exchange and how simple
applications like MRTG can be built over SNMP.
Post CS
Lab
Reference
M9: Network Management Applications
Pre-CS RL 9.1 M9: Network Management Applications:
RL 9.2 RL 9.1NM Applications Overview (FCAPS)
This sub-module takes a closer look at what FCAPS entails. Also
explains the significance of service and policy management in
network management.
RL 9.2Event Correlation Techniques
This sub-module explains the different event correlation techniques
used in network management software. The approaches covered are
rule based reasoning, model based reasoning, case based reasoning
and state transition graph model.
During CS 6.0 Explain the commonly used tools/utilities for network management.
CS Give examples of commercially available tools, the features they
provide and market leaders in this domain.
Explain the significance of FCAPS, and the role that even
correlation techniques play in the development of network
management systems, with examples from the software industry.
Post CS
Lab
Reference
M10: Network Management Systems and Engineering
M11: Telecommunication Management Network (TMN)
Pre-CS RL 10.1 M10: Network Management Systems and Engineering:
RL 10.2 RL 10.1 NM Systems & Engg-1
RL 11.1 This sub-module module explains some software
RL 11.2 design/architecture aspects of network management systems. It
RL 11.3 covers MIB engineering in particular, in terms of what aspects to
keep in mind while designing a MIB for a network element, and
the various components of a typical network management
 software architecture.
RL 10.2 NM Systems & Engg-2
This sub-module explains the various modules of a network
management server, aspects of data collection in performance
management and factors to consider while designing the polling
functionality in a network management server. Also covers the
various aspects of accounting and security management.
M11: Telecommunication Management Network (TMN):
RL 11.1 OSI Model
This sub-module covers the network management model from an
OSI perspective, and details how the OSI is similar to and
different from the Internet model.
RL 11.2 Telecommunication Management Network (TMN)
This sub-module talks about the evolution of TMN, and why it
was needed. This explains the functional, physical and
information architecture recommended by TMN standards.
RL 11.3 TMN Logical Layered Architecture
This sub-module is dedicated to the logical layered architecture
recommended by TMN. It explains each layer in detail, and the
significance of service management and business management
layers.
During CS 7.0 Understand the software architecture/design aspects of a network
CS management systems. Introduce the need for TMN, how it
integrates into the deployments of network management systems
and what value it provides for network operators. At the end of
this module, students are expected to have understood not just the
information exchange and processing aspects of network
management protocols, but also the service and business aspects
associated with it, and how network operators derive meaningful
decisions from the plethora of information collected by managers
via SNMP/other NM protocols.
Post CS
Lab
Reference
M12: Broadband Network Management
Pre-CS RL 12.1 M12: Broadband Network Management:
RL 12.2 RL 12.1 Broadband Network Management – MPLS
RL 12.3 This sub-module explains the concept of MPLS, how packets are
RL 12.4 transmitted in an MPLS network, and the advantages that this
RL 12.5 technology provides us with.
RL 12.2 Broadband Network Management MPLS Network
Management
Having looked at the basics of MPLS, this sub-module explains
the various network management aspects of an MPLS network.
RL 12.3 Broadband Network Management - Access Networks
HFC
This sub-module gives an overview of HFC/DOCSIS network,
the components that make up an HFC network and how network
management is done in an HFC network. It also describes IPDR
 as a potential alternative to SNMP-based network management.
RL 12.4 Broadband Network Management - Access Networks
PON
This sub-module gives an overview of PON network, the
components that make up a PON network, how network
management is done in a PON network and the role of the OAM
sublayer in EPON management.
RL 12.5 Broadband Network Management - Access Networks
ADSL
This sub-module gives an overview of ADSL network, the
components that make up an ADSL network, how network
management is done in an ADSL network and the different
parameters for fault, config and performance management.
During CS 8.0 Discussion on various broadband access technologies, and their
CS network management techniques. At the end of this module
students are expected to have widened their understanding of
network management – they should realize that there is more to
network management that just SNMP.
Post CS
Lab
Reference
M13: Advanced Management Topics
Pre-CS RL 13.1 M13: Advanced Management Topics:
RL 13.2 RL 13.1 Advanced Management Concepts-CORBA
RL 13.3 This sub-module covers CORBA-based network management
technology.
RL 13.2 Advanced Management Concepts-XML
This sub-module covers XML-based network management
technology, and XML-based approaches to network
management.
RL 13.3 Advanced Management Concepts-Other Topics
This sub-module gives a brief overview of Over The Air
Provisioning, Software Defined Networking and IP Detail
Record as alternate/emerging technologies for network
management. The intent of this session is to make the students
familiar with some of the recent advances in network
management.
During CS 9.0 Overview of alternatives to SNMP for network management. At
CS the end of this module, students are expected to be familiar with
some of the recent advances in network management.
Post CS
Lab
Reference
M14: Case Studies
Pre-CS RL 14.1 M14: Case Studies
RL 14.2 RL 14.1 Case Study 1
A hypothetical case study covering the role of each layer in the
logical layered architecture, in network management. Explains
 how raw data collected by the lowest layer is refined, correlated
with other data and presents meaningful information to the
operator.
RL 14.2 Case Study 2
Another hypothetical case study covering the role of each layer
in the logical layered architecture, in network management.
During CS 10.0 Discuss the case studies, and any other questions that students
CS may have.
Post CS
Lab
Reference
Review
Pre-CS All RLs All RLs
During CS11.0 Review
CS

Select Topics and Case Studies from business for experiential learning
For the below lab topics, refer TMN lab capsules - the link for the same can be obtained from the
WILP CS&IS Lab Setup Instruction Manual located at http://elearn.bits-pilani.ac.in

Topics Select Topics in Syllabus for experiential learning Access URL

No.

1 a. Install net-snmp on your computer. http://

b. Use the various SNMP CLI commands to read the IF-MIB on elearn.bits-
your computer. pilani.ac.in
c. Record the results with screenshots.

2 a. Configure and run snmpd and snmptrapd. http://

b. Use net-snmp commands to walk through the IF-MIB on your elearn.bits-
laptop. pilani.ac.in
c. Record the results with screenshots.
d. Install and configure snmptrapd.
e. Use CLI commands to generate traps.
f. Record the results with screenshots.

3 a. Install a graphical MIB browser (like SnmpB). http://

b. Load the various MIBs on your computer. elearn.bits-
c. Browse the MIBs and observe the values for each of the SNMP pilani.ac.in
operations for scalar and tabular attributes.
d. Record the results with screenshots.

3 Find out from the Internet how IPDR is used for network management; -
support output with screenshots & statistical data.

4 Design considerations for a metamodel/MIB for any device (eg: wireless -

AP, TV, mobile phone, router etc), given its characteristics
Evaluation Scheme
Legend: EC = Evaluation Component

Day, Date, Session,

No Name Type Duration Weight
Time
Quiz-1 * 5% August 16-30, 2022
EC-1 Quiz-2 * 5% September 16-30, 2022
Assignment * 15% October 16-30, 2022
EC-2 Mid-Semester Test Open Book 2 hours 30% Sunday, 25/09/2022 (FN)
EC-3 Comprehensive Open Book
2 hours 45% Sunday, 27/11/2022 (FN)
Exam

Note - Evaluation components can be tailored depending on the proposed model.

Important Information:
Syllabus for Mid-Semester Test (Open Book): Topics in CS 1-5.
Syllabus for Comprehensive Exam (Open Book): All topics given in plan of study
Evaluation Guidelines:
1. For Closed Book tests: No books or reference material of any kind will be permitted.
Laptops/Mobiles of any kind are not allowed. Exchange of any material is not allowed.
2. For Open Book exams: Use of prescribed and reference text books, in original (not
photocopies) is permitted. Class notes/slides as reference material in filed or bound form is
permitted. However, loose sheets of paper will not be allowed. Use of calculators is permitted
in all exams. Laptops/Mobiles of any kind are not allowed. Exchange of any material is not
allowed.
3. If a student is unable to appear for the Regular Test/Exam due to genuine exigencies, the
student should follow the procedure to apply for the Make-Up Test/Exam. The genuineness of
the reason for absence in the Regular Exam shall be assessed prior to giving permission to
appear for the Make-up Exam. Make-Up Test/Exam will be conducted only at selected exam
centres on the dates to be announced later.
It shall be the responsibility of the individual student to be regular in maintaining the self-study
schedule as given in the course handout, attend the lectures, and take all the prescribed evaluation
components such as Assignment/Quiz, Mid-Semester Test and Comprehensive Exam according to the
evaluation scheme provided in the handout.

Appendix:
Contact Session vs Module/RL mapping

Contact Topics Ref Pre-contact Session During

Session Modules prep Contact
Session
1 Data Communications and M1, M2 RL 1.1, RL 1.2, RL 1.3 CS 1.0
Network Management RL 2.1, RL 2.2
 Overview, Network
Topology
2 Network Management: M3, M4 RL 3.1, RL 3.2, RL 3.3 CS 2.0
Standards, Models & RL 4.1, RL 4.2, RL 4.3
Language, SNMPv1
Organization & Information
Models
3 SNMPv1 Protocol Operations M5 HW 1.0 CS 3.0
RL 5.1, RL 5.2
4 SNMPv2 & SNMPv3 M6 HW 2.0 CS 4.0
RL 6.1, RL 6.2, RL 6.3
HW 2.0
Network Management Lab, M7, M8 RL 7.1, RL 7.2, RL 7.3 CS 5.0,
RMON, Network Pre-Mid
5 Management Tools & Review
Applications
Review: All topics covered M1 ➔ M6 All RLs in M1➔M6
till date
6 Network Management M9 HW 3.0 CS 6.0
Applications RL 8.1, RL 8.2
RL 9.1, RL 9.2
7 Network Management M10, M11 RL 10.1, RL 10.2 CS 7.0
Systems and Engineering, RL 11.1, RL 11.2, RL
TMN 11.3
8 Broadband Network M12 RL 12.1, RL 12.2, RL CS 8.0
Management 12.3, RL 12.4, RL 12.5
9 Advanced Management M13 RL 13.1, RL 13.2, RL CS 9.0
Topics 13.3
Discussion of case studies M14 RL 14.1, RL 14.2 CS 10.0
10 All topics in syllabus / M1 ➔ M14 All RLs in M1 ➔ M14
covered till date
11 Review M1-M14 All RLs in M1 ➔ M14 CS11.0