Network management objective

Business Data Communications, Fourth Edition

Chapter 11: Network Management

Learning Objectives

• Describe the five levels of network management described by the ISO

• List and explain the objectives of network management

• Define the characteristics of the network that affect user satisfaction

• Describe cost-effective network management techniques

Chapter 11: Network Management 2

Learning Objectives

• Describe how network management objectives are met

• Identify the effect that wireless networks and e-commerce have on network management

• List and explain the types of network monitoring software

• Describe the standards used for network management


Introduction

• Network managers have a complex role in the organization

• Must manage voice and data networks, as well as e-commerce

• Many tasks must be performed to manage the networks

• Manager is more visible to the users/customers• Well-defined objectives will provide good

customer service


Network Management and the ISO Model

• ISO/IEC 7498-4 defines five areas for network management– Performance Management

• Bandwidth

• Processor & memory availability• Network devices

– Fault Management• Detects and responds to abnormal conditions

• Software defines normal operations of network


Network Management and the ISO Model

• ISO/IEC 7498-4– Configuration Management

• Hardware and software make-up of network

– Accounting Management• Charges by IT to other departments for network

use

– Security Management• Authorized use of the network• IDs, passwords, firewalls, antivirus software, data

encryption, formal security procedures


Objectives of Network Management

• User Satisfaction– Methods used vary by application– Performance

• Response time• Should be consistent for each application• Communications time

– Time on the communication line– Processing time between client and server

• Response time affected by many events



• User Satisfaction– Availability

• All components available for use when needed• Maintenance schedule should be publicized• Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF)• Mean Time to Repair (MTTR)

– Reliability• Errors expected• Stability of hardware and software



• User Satisfaction– Backup

• Software and hardware

• Disk mirroring – two drives, one controller

• Disk duplexing – two drives, two controllers• Hardware backup depends on the device





• User Satisfaction– Network Uptime

• Patch around the problem

• Replacement– Modems, PCs, NOT mainframes, FEPs

• Repair– Depends on the component– May take a few hours to a few days



• User Satisfaction– Information Availability

• Critical to keep users updated on events

• Scheduled downtimes

• Alternative work schedules• Help desk



• Cost-Effectiveness– Prior Planning

• Key to the success of a network project

• Volume and type of data must be considered

• Plan for expansion of the network• Buying equipment

– Buy only for current needs– Buy for current and future needs



• Cost-Effectiveness– Modular Expansion

• Plan for upgrades to equipment

• Hubs



• Cost-Effectiveness–Equipment Expansion

• Buy new equipment for each expansion

–Relocation of Equipment• Reuse clients and servers in other locations


Meeting the Objectives

• Staffing– Skills required

• Design and configuration• Diagnosis (Troubleshooting)• Documentation



• Network Analysis– Network Statistics

• Performance monitor can gather statistics• Simulation models• Workload generator• Log files• Transaction mix should be checked• Circuit utilization can affect performance



• Network Analysis

– Network Changes• Tuning

– Changes to the network based on the statistics gathered

• Can change transmission speeds, buffer sizes

• Change network configuration


Network Management for Wireless Networks and e-Commerce

• Wireless Networks– Managers must know the technology– Videoconferencing, data archiving, data

mirroring – Connecting PDAs and laptop computers to

the LAN– Bandwidth, security, design issues



• Network Traffic Volume– High volume caused by e-commerce– Corporate portal is now important to business– May slow system response– Bandwidth may need to be increased– Must monitor network closely



• Internet Network Monitoring Tools– Transaction Monitoring

• End-to-end response time• Dummy transaction created

– Network Performance Monitoring• Service level agreements with ISP

– Live-visitor site monitoring– Human-response monitoring


General Network Monitoring Tools

• Classes of Network Monitoring Software– Device management software

• Monitors specific devices

– Enterprise management software• Monitors entire system

– Application management software• Monitors specific applications



• Network Management Protocols– Simple Network Management Protocol

(SNMP)• Collects and reports data on network performance

• Data stored in management information base (MIB)

• Security is a problem• Remote monitoring (RMON) extension

– Stores data at a remote site, rather than a central server



• Network Management Protocols– Common Management Interface Protocol

(CMIP)• ISO standard

• Newer than SNMP

• More complete monitoring information• Better security• Major changes needed to an SNMP system to

implement CMIP, so it has not been done


Summary

• Network managers responsible for both voice and data networks, as well as e-commerce

• ISO defines five levels of network management

• User satisfaction is viewed in terms of response time, equipment availability, network reliability, and information

• Cost-effectiveness is accomplished through prior planning


Summary

• Staffing and network analysis can be used to achieve the network managers goals

• Network tuning is used to improve performance• Network performance for wireless and e-

commerce applications is now needed• Network monitoring tools allow the manager to

keep track of how the network is performing• SNMP was originally used, CMIP is newer


Chapter 11 Complete

Network management objective

Technology

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levels of network management

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