AlTion - Network Support Systems

Mobile Operator Solutions | Fixed Line Operator Solutions

Fixed Line Operator Solution

AlTion have deployed network inventory and fulfillment solutions for the fixed line business which enables the operators to support a host of business processes such as:

Circuit Provisioning

  • Fast and accurate assignment of circuit/path inventory

  • Optimal routing of circuits on free capacity across all network technologies

  • Automatic formatting and issuing of circuit order instructions including frame positions and tie cable requirements.

  • Reduction in provisioning errors due to reduced inventory errors.
Capacity Management
  • Cost effective network rollout based on timely and accurate capacity utilization reports at port, equipment and system levels.
Network Build

  • Reduced design time by using timely and accurate information to support the design process.

  • Reduced build costs by minimizing the need for site surveys

  • Reduced paper handling by automating the generation of build specifications

  • Reduction in project delays and re-work due to design errors
Fault Management
  • Improved service assurance using network inventory data to correlate faults and determine customer impact arising from faults and network outages.
The implementation phase typically consists of the following work elements:

  • Configuration of Equipment Models

  • DWDM, SDH/PDH, ATM and IP/DSL networks

  • Configuration of Path and Circuit Models.

  • Definition of Naming Standards for circuits locations and ports etc.

  • Modelling of Passive Devices.

  • DDFs, MDF, ODF, Line Cables, Tie Cable’s etc.

  • Definition of Additional Attributes to meet the customer specific requirements

  • Migration of legacy data from diverse systems.

Data integrity is ensured with a synchronisation module, which cross check data between the element manager and the central inventory.

Mobile Operator Solutions

AlTion have implemented network inventory solutions for mobile operator networks to manage 2G, 2.5 G and 3G network infrastructures.

Typically the solutions assist the operator to rapidly build out additional capacity both in the backhaul and the radio networks.  In addition network re-arrangement design is simplified and streamlined.  End to end network views also allow the operator quick and effective capacity planning.

Typically the solutions support the operators network inventory from the base station to the MSC.  This inventory includes: MSCs, BSC, BTs, SGSNs, PCUSNs, RNCs, Head End Nodes, Concentrator Nodes (PSAX), Node Bs, IP Routers, PDH Equipment, SDH Equipment, Radio, Fibre and DWDM Equipment.

AlTion solutions support network equipment from all the major vendors including Ericsson, Alcatel, Siemens and Nokia.  Additional equipment models can be readily provided as required.

Circuits modelled include IP Circuits, ATM Circuits, PDH/SDH Circuits, Radio and Fibre Bearers, OLO Circuits and CPN Circuits.

Eircom Case Study

AlTion have implemented a complete network inventory solution in eircom providing an end to end view of the core transport network including DWDM, SDH and PDH networks. The solution consists of the following components:

1. Network Inventory System

The core of the solution is a network inventory system supporting the following key business processes:

  • Circuit Provisioning
    The system supports circuit provisioning at 2mbit, 34Mbit, STM1 and STM4 levels.  The system also supports transport bearer provisioning for all platform networks including PSTN, ISDN, ATM, IP and Frame Relay.
  • Capacity Management
    Capacity Management reports are used to track network utilisation levels at yearly, quarterly and monthly intervals depending of the level of change at each particular level.   Typically these reports check for port exhaust, equipment exhaust and system exhaust.
  • Network Build
    The system provides timely and accurate inventory information for the network design process.  This minimises the level of preparatory work required to complete the design process and reduces the level of re-work required due to inventory errors. 
  • Service Assurance
    The inventory system is also used to support the service assurance process by providing accurate network inventory data to assist in fault correlation and impact analysis.
2. Inventory and Element Manager Data Integration

AlTion have developed data synchronization software, which enables eircom to synchronize the capacity and inventory data stored within their inventory system with the data residing within the network's individual element managers. Any differences in data can be detected and corrected.

The system provides:

  • Data export from network inventory systems

  • Data export of relevant tables from the element managers

  • Storage of the data saved in structured format and loaded into tables

  • Facilities to allow interrogation by standard database query languages.

The system systematically cross checks the data in each repository and ensures the resolution of discrepancies based on rules and criteria defined by the business.

As well as validation of network inventory this process allows the checking and validation of customer circuit details.  The benefits to the client include:

  • Improved network utilization ensuring that all capacity is usefully deployed.

  • Dramatic reduction in provisioning errors due to bad data.

  • Increases in process efficiency as capacity management improves.

  • Improved fault impact analysis based on more accurate network data.

3. Provisioning Interface for Circuit Routing Assignment

AlTion have developed an automatic circuit assignment application for eircom to allow order management systems to retrieve circuit routing data immediately following assignment of network resources to the circuit order.   This interface also updates circuit routing details subsequently if changes occur to relevant inventory in the system.   The application also allows for updating of network inventory status information as the circuit order is progressed to completion. This type of application significantly improves the overall speed and efficiency of circuit provisioning by removing a number of manual steps from the overall provisioning process.

4. Fault Correlation and Impact Assessment using Inventory Data

AlTion have developed fault correlation interfaces for eircom to allow the Micromuse fault management system to correlate fault alarms using centralized network inventory data. When alarms are generated because of a fault multiple alarms may be generated because equipment related to the failed equipment are also inadvertently affected.  In these scenarios it may be difficult for the operator to determine the root cause of the failure.  This application automatically determines the transmission paths, used by each equipment element, and also relates equipment using the same path or trail. This information enables the operator to decide the root cause alarm and where it is located.  Having determined the root cause failure this application also provides a list of affected circuits and customers.

Back to the top of the page


Altion is a Private Limited Company registered in the Republic of Ireland.
Registered Number is 251782, with a registered office at O'Connell Bridge House, D'Olier Street, Dublin 2