Overview of
Network Management
Different people
may take network management as different meanings. It may be considered as
solitary network consultant for monitoring network activity using outdated
protocol analyzer. While network management in distributed database
environment, managing network nodes for generating real time graphics and auto
polling of network devices. There are number of tools and applications which
are used for network management to support network administrators to monitor
and maintain networks of all types.
In the early 1980s
remarkable growth in field of network deployment was noted and companies have
found productivity and cost benefits by use of network and they started with
networks very fast as new products came into the market. In middle of 1980s
specific company’s troubles were increased by the use of different network
technologies.
Network expansion troubles influence the networks day by day as networks grow and each new network needs some experts for maintaining and troubleshooting it. At early stages employee requirements for managing network created crisis for some organizations.
Cisco Network
Management Architecture
Basic structure is
used in Cisco Network Management Architecture and network devices such as
computer systems, Cisco routers,
and Cisco
switches run
applications which enable them to find out problems in network. Software are
installed on network devices which are programmed in such a way that upon
receiving alerts these execute number of actions like operator notification,
even log, system shutdown and automatic attempts to repair that device.
These Management
tools are also used to check or poll end stations and check values for specific
variables. Polling could be automatic or user initiated while agents in these
managed devices could respond to all polls. Agents are known as applications or
software modules which are used to compile information of managed device and
store this information in management database and generate it proactive or
reactive entities using network management protocol within network management
system. Cisco
devices make
use of SNMP (simple network management protocol) for this and management
proxies are known as those entities which provide management information on the
basis of other entities.
ISO Network
Management Model
ISO has played a
big role in standardizing network specifications. ISO model is basically used to understand the main functions of
network management systems. This model contains the following concepts.
- Performance Management
- Configuration Management
- Fault Management
- Security Management
Performance
Management
The main objective
of performance management is to calculate the performance level of network and
make it available and this level could be maintained at acceptable level. Some
examples of performance variables consist of network throughput and user
response time and line utilization.
There are three
major steps which involve in performance management. First, data is collected
for variables which are according to interest of network administrators.
Secondly, data is analyzed to find out normal levels and finally 3rd step is to
find out suitable for each important variable because increase in thresholds
may cause network problem. Network Management entities are used to monitor
network performance variables on regular basis. Whenever performance of
specific threshold is increased entity will generate an alert signal to network
management system.
Every step
mentioned above is part of the procedure to make a reactive system. Performance
may be unacceptable due to increase in user defined threshold and system may
react by sending messages. Performance management may allow some proactive
procedures like network simulation which could be used in projects. These
simulations are used to alert administrators to be ready for impending problems
and take necessary measures.
Configuration
Management
Configuration
Management objective to examine Cisco Network and system configurations
database so that effects on network operation for different versions of Cisco
IOS applications could be managed.
Every Cisco device contains number of versions
information which is associated to it like.
- Internetwork Operating System, Version 12.4
- Ethernet Interface, Version 5.3
- TCP/IP software, Version 2.0
- Netware Software, Version 4.2
- NFS software, Version 5.1
- Serial Communications controller, Version 1.1
- X.25 software, Version 1.0
- SNMP software, Version 3.2
This information
is stored in database for easy access without any problems and when problem
occurs database could be searched to take help about specific problem.
Fault
Management
The objective of
fault management is to find out, log and notify users on network and
automatically fix problems to keep the network in working position. Network
faults could cause downtime3e and unacceptable network degradation and
implementation of fault management is significant. Fault management may contain
formative symptoms and separating problems. Problems are fixed and solution is
tested and finally problems are detected.
Security
Management
Security
Management objective is to manage network resources with respect to local guide
and sensitive information could not be accessed without proper authentication.
Security management subsystem can however examine users to logon on network
resources and refuse access to those enter necessary access codes.
Subsystems of
security management are working by partitioning network resources towards
authorized and unauthorized areas. Some users have an inappropriate access to
network because they are company outsiders. While internal network users access
information which is generated from specific department.
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