OA&M

OA&M (operations, administration, and maintenance) is a general term used to describe the processes, activities, tools, standards, etc involved with operating, administering, and maintaining any system. More commonly used in the context of computer networks or computer hardware.

Network Standards

* Fault management and performance monitoring (ITU-T Y.1731 [ [http://www.itu.int/ITU-T/newslog/Operators+Given+Performance+Management+For+Ethernet+With+New+Standard.aspx Operators Given Performance Management For Ethernet With New Standard] ] ) - Defines performance monitoring measurements such as frame loss ratio, frame delay and frame delay variation to assist with SLA assurance and capacity planning. For fault management the standard defines continuity checks, loopbacks, link trace and alarm suppression (AIS, RDI) for effective fault detection, verification, isolation and notification in carrier networks.

* Connectivity fault management (IEEE 802.1ag [ [http://www.ieee802.org/1/pages/802.1ag.html 802.1ag - Connectivity Fault Management] ] ) - Defines standardized continuity checks, loopbacks and link trace for fault management capabilities in enterprise and carrier networks. This standard also partitions the network into 8 hierarchical administrative domains.

* Developments in Ethernet OAM - Link layer discovery (IEEE 802.1ab) - Defines discovery for all PEs supporting a common service instance and/or discovery for all devices (PE and P) common to a single network domain.

* Ethernet in the first mile (IEEE 802.3ah [ [http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=55199&site=supercomm IEEE 802.3ah EFM Standard Ratified] ] ) - Defines mechanisms for monitoring and troubleshooting Ethernet access links. Specifically it defines tools for discovery, remote failure indication, remote and local loopbacks and status and performance monitoring.

* Ethernet protection switching (ITU G.8031) - Brings SONET APS / SDH MSP like protection switching to Ethernet trunks.

ee also

* Provider Backbone Transport
* ITU-T
* IEEE 802.1
* International Telecommunication Union

References

External links

* [http://metroethernetforum.org/PDFs/EFMA/EFM%20OAM%20Tutorial%20v2.pdf Ethernet in the First Mile Operations, Administration and Maintenance (OAM) A Tutorial]