IN and TMN-key concepts for future telecom networks

A number of different concepts has been developed for the provision of future open service environments. The most important concepts identified in this context are the intelligent network (IN) architecture, which allows for the flexible and uniform provision of a variety of future telecommunication services by the definition of functional network elements and a set of generic service building blocks, and CCITT's telecommunication management network (TMN) providing a range of management functions above a set of support systems, needed to operate, control and maintain future telecommunication networks and services. Based on the management related aspects of future IN-structured telecommunication networks, this paper examines the issues and relations of both concepts focussing on a possible integration of both concepts into a common telecommunication platform.<>