The NSP service management function allows for service provisioning and activation across networks that are accessible to the NSP. Through the GUI, or through the northbound interface (RESTConf), NSP enables users to make service requests that deploy services to the network using the NSP’s mediation framework.

A library exists with a product set of service models (such as L3 VPN, EVPN, C-Line, E-LAN, E-TREE, E-Line, and IES services) for both classic and model-mode SR OS networks. These service models can be installed and utilized by the built-in, intent-based engine (NSP’s Network Intents views) to provide assurance that service configuration is completed as planned/requested, and is easily adaptable for custom service model requests. New service models that support custom needs can also be developed with the aid of the NSP’s automation practice team, or if your deployment includes the NSP’s programmability suite, self-development.

Note: The library of product service models (intent types) is obtained from the artifacts section of the Nokia Support Portal; however, customers should consult with Nokia prior to deploying these models in live networks, in order to ensure that they will suit their needs. The models are contained in the NSP_Product_Service_Artifacts_<Rr>.zip file and must be installed using the NSP network intents function before being imported into the service management views. An important readme file is also bundled with the models.

Note: The NSP service models are composed of YANG modules. Users can create additional YANG modules with the intention of augmenting the existing service models, which may result in the configuration of custom parameters from the NSP. Visit the Nokia Network Developer Portal for more information about extending the operational service models.

Network abstraction is used to simplify how the network appears to the IT/OSS layer and users of the NSP service management function. This allows services to be defined and enhanced more quickly by presenting only the network service attributes and endpoints that are relevant to specific customer needs, thereby streamlining service fulfilment operations.

Service management provides real-time, service-related inventory, including available Ports, LAGs, and Service Tunnels (SDPs). This allows users to view the availability of resources in the network before starting with the fulfilment process. Service offerings with customer-centric naming can be created by the user, thereby enabling the dynamic creation of the service catalogue based on installed service models. NSP supports the configuration and deployment of services on third-party devices.

Users have granular control over the entire life cycle of a service. This allows them to define services without deploying them into the network, to plan services so that resources are reserved within NSP, to deploy services in the network that are fully synchronized with the intended configuration, or even to remove services from the network without deleting them entirely. Additionally, users can view all the services in the various life cycle states, as well as view the real-time operational state of deployed services.

Service topology views are available within the service management network map, but users are also provided with the ability to easily navigate to the NSP’s Network Map and Health views in order to see multi-layer topology maps and accomplish additional assurance tasks.

To ensure that intended service configurations are maintained in the network, users can audit individual services in order to view and correct any deviations, thereby ensuring configuration assurance in addition to operational assurance.

Automation is achieved using the NSP workflows function. During the life cycle of a service, a workflow can be invoked to carry out specific tasks. For example, when planning a service, a workflow that pre-configures policies into the network can be invoked prior to deployment. Alternatively, when removing a service from the network, a workflow can be invoked to ensure that OAM tests and/or telemetry subscriptions are paused. Automation of user-focused workflows can also be invoked through those views, or via API on an ad hoc basis against the services.

Note: If you wish to use service management for NSP multivendor management, please consult Nokia.