1. Modeling Inventory
  2. Working with Logical Device, Physical Device, and Equipment Specifications
  3. Working with Logical Device Specifications

Working with Logical Device Specifications

A logical device represents a functional view of a set of resources. The logical device itself is not physical, but it can be supported by one or more physical resources that support it and act together logically to perform one or more functions.

In the telecommunications industry, logical devices are often called network elements, but the terms are not interchangeable. In Unified Inventory Management (UIM), a logical device can also be a non-intelligent device that does not qualify as a network element. Logical devices that are network elements are addressable and manageable and can be managed through an element management system (EMS). See UIM Concepts for information on relating Logical Device specifications to Device Interface specifications.

Logical devices can be supported by one hardware item like a desktop router or by many pieces of hardware such as:

  • Central office switches

  • Digital cross-connect systems (DCS)

  • Digital subscriber line access multiplexers (DSLAM)

  • Main distribution frames (MDF)

A logical device can support other logical devices to create a hierarchy. You create Logical Device specifications in the same manner as other types of specifications. See "Creating New Specifications" for more information.

When working with Logical Device specifications, see "Logical Device Specification Editor" for reference information about the tabs you use to define a Logical Device specification.