The Network Management Subsystem (NMS) is
the third subsystem of the GSM network in addition to the Network Switching
Subsystem (NSS) and Base Station Subsystem (BSS), which we have already
discussed. The purpose of the NMS is to monitor various functions and elements
of the network.
The functions of
the NMS can be divided into three categories:
·
Fault
management
·
Configuration
management
·
Performance management
These functions
cover the whole of the GSM network elements from the level of individual BTSs,
up to MSCs and HLRs.
Fault
management
The purpose of
fault management is to ensure the smooth operation of the network and rapid
correction of any kind of problems that are detected. Fault management provides
the network operator with information about the current status of alarm events
and maintains a history database of alarms.
The alarms are
stored in the NMS database and this database can be searched according to
criteria specified by the network operator.
Configuration management
The purpose of
configuration management is to maintain up-to-date information about the
operation and configuration status of network elements. Specific configuration
functions include the management of the radio network, software and hardware
management of the network elements, time synchronization, and security operations.
Performance management
In performance
management, the NMS collects measurement data from individual network elements
and stores it in a database. On the basis of these data, the network operator
is able to compare the actual performance of the network with the planned
performance and detect both good and bad performance areas within the network.
