This Recommendation | International Standard specifies a protocol which is used by application layer entities to exchange management information. This Recommendation | International Standard specifies: — procedures for the transmission of management information between application entities; — the abstract syntax of the Common Management Information Protocol (CMIP) and the associated encoding rules to be applied; — procedures for the correct interpretation of protocol control information; — the conformance requirements to be met by implementation of this Recommendation | International Standard. This Recommendation | International Standard does not specify: — the structure or meaning of the management information that is transmitted by means of CMIP; — the manner in which management is accomplished as a result of CMIP exchanges; — the interactions which result in the use of CMIP.