This paper presents Fujitsu's Common Foundation architecture. This architecture provides a unified approach that incorporates both network and element management. Although this architecture is based on the standard Telecommunication Management Network (TMN) concept, the Common Foundation takes that concept to a new level by addressing common issues inherent within the management of distributed systems. Thus, the Common Foundation addresses issues linked to security as well as to process, transaction, and association management. At the same time, the Common Foundation simplifies user tasks by providing a single interface into the entire network while maintaining the separation of functionality into multiple systems as defined by TMN.

This paper describes some aspects of optical fiber cable system applications in future NTT transmission networks, considering voice transmission as predominant even in future transmission networks in accordance with demand forecasts. The desirable optical fiber cable transmission system which should be developed and introduced is discussed taking into account optical fiber costs, demand estimates, pertinent technological developments, etc. It was concluded that the following process of introducing optical fiber cable transmission systems should be feasible. In the first step, approximately 32 Mbit/s and 100 Mbit/s digital transmission systems should be employed for short and medium haul trunks with heavy traffic using graded index optical fibers. A large capacity, long haul digital transmission system, such as a 400 Mbit/s system using graded index or, if possible, single mode optical fiber should be introduced next. The optical fiber cable costs at which fiber systems become economical, depend upon the application area. For short and medium haul systems, 40¢ per meter per core is required, but $2 per meter per core is sufficient for large capacity, long haul systems. For a short haul system operating at approximately 1.5 Mbits/s or 6 Mbits/s, the advantages of its introduction greatly depend on optical fiber costs which should be less than 20¢per meter per core.