Implementation of a cooperative network management framework

A network management system can be divided into the management function and management intelligence logically according to the coordination concept. We represent a cooperative network management (CNM) framework using a reactive intelligent agent. The agent includes two types of objects. The event manager agent communication object (ACO) and business object repository compose the management function. Management intelligence is embodied in an engine which analyzes the received events from the event manager and messages from the ACO, then decide to invoke the business object's method based on action rules. The CNM framework is comprised of a management console, cooperative intelligent agents and access adapters. Using this framework, the administrator can decompose the management task into several subtasks and delegate these subtasks to cooperative intelligent agents. The management framework enables the administrator to modify the intelligent agent's subtask without interrupting the system's running.