Towards XML-based Network Management for IP Networks

Recently, XML-based network management, which applies XML related technologies to network management, has been proposed as an alternative to existing network management. The use of XML in network management presents many advantages. However, most existing network devices are already embedded with SNMP agents and managed by SNMP managers. For integrated network management, we present four approaches towards XML-based network management. We also present the architectures of an XML-based manager, an XML-based agent, and a gateway. We explain our experience of developing XML-based Global Element Management System (XGEMS) through an XML/SNMP gateway. Our experience on developing XGEMS can be used as a good guideline of XML-based management system fully taking advantages and strengths of XML technologies.