Physical Connection form - Configuration

  • Release version: Washingtondc
  • Updated February 1, 2024
  • 2 minutes to read
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    Summary of Physical Connection form - Configuration

    The Physical Connection form allows you to configure and create a physical connection within the Telecommunications Network Inventory. This includes defining essential parameters that outline how different network interfaces and devices are interconnected.

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    Key Features

    • Port A & Port Z: Specify the network interfaces used for connections by selecting from available options.
    • Topology: Choose the connection type, such as Point to point, Point to multi-point, or various ring topologies, to define how nodes are linked.
    • Topology group: Illustrates how devices are connected in a network, with options like linear chain or radio access network.
    • Management option: Designates who is responsible for managing the endpoint connection.
    • Endpoint role: Assign roles (ROOT or LEAF) to the network asset based on its function.
    • Vendor: Identify the network asset's vendor through a searchable code.
    • Cost: Enter the financial cost associated with the network asset.
    • Distance: Input the route length of the connection, selecting an appropriate unit of measure such as miles or kilometers.
    • Unit: Choose the unit of measure for distance, allowing flexibility in expressing route length.

    Key Outcomes

    By effectively utilizing the Physical Connection form, ServiceNow customers can accurately configure network connections, ensuring clarity in device interconnectivity and management responsibilities. This structured approach enables efficient network planning and resource allocation, ultimately supporting better service delivery and operational efficiency.

    The Configuration section in the Physical Connection form enables you to create a physical connection.

    Table 1. Physical Connection form - Configuration
    Field Description
    Port A

    Network interface that is used in the Port A connection. Select the search icon ( Search icon.) and select a network interface. To learn more, see Define the network interface details.
    Topology
    Topology of the network connection:
    Point to point
    Connects two nodes directly together with a common link
    Point to multi-point
    Provides multiple connections from one point to multiple points Point to multiple points.
    Multi-point to multi-point
    Complex topology in which each node can communicate with multiple other nodes
    Unidirectional ring

    Fiber ring in which the signal is sent in one direction only.

    Bidirectional ring

    Fiber ring in which the signal is sent in both directions simultaneously.

    Mesh
    Network topology in which the infrastructure nodes connect directly, dynamically, and non-hierarchically to as many other nodes as possible and cooperate with one another to efficiently route data to and from clients
    Topology group
    Defines how nodes and devices are connected in a network with each other
    Linear chain
    Network topology where each device connects one after the other in a sequential chain
    Radio access network
    Connects end-user devices, like smartphones, to the cloud.
    Mobile core network
    Enables subscribers to get access to the services that they’re entitled to use. It’s responsible for critical functions such as subscriber profile information, location, service authentication, and necessary switching tasks.
    Mobile transport network
    Connects the core network and the RAN (Radio Access Network) of the mobile network
    Management option

    Attribute that indicates who or what is responsible for managing this endpoint.
    Endpoint role
    Endpoint role that is associated with the service endpoint for this network asset. An endpoint role is the function that is served by the endpoint of the service that you’re providing. Select one of the following options:
    • ROOT or LEAF endpoint role, as defined by the Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF).
    • --None-- for no assigned endpoint role.
    Port Z

    Network interface that is used in the Port Z connection. Select the search icon (Search icon.) and select a network interface. To learn more, see Define the network interface details.
    Vendor

    Name of the network asset's vendor. Select the search icon (Search icon.) and select a vendor code. To learn more, see Create manufacturer and vendor codes.
    Cost

    Cost of this network asset.
    Distance

    Route length of this connection, expressed in the unit of measure that you select in the Unit field.
    Unit
    Unit of measure in which you’re expressing the route length of the connection in the Distance field. Select one of the following options:
    --None--
    No distance measurement expressed for the connection route length.
    Miles
    Distance is expressed in miles.
    Kilometers
    Distance is expressed in kilometers.
    Feet
    Distance is expressed in feet.
    Meters
    Distance is expressed in meters.
    Note:
    To learn about the remaining configuration fields that are common to most of the Inventory menu forms, see Commonly used network asset instance configuration fields.