CIS-325 Data Communications

CIS 325: Data Communications 1

CIS-325Data Communications

Dr. L. G. Williams, Instructor


Chapter Sixteen

Network Management


What is Network Management?

Process of controlling, monitoring, and running the network

Concerned with both data and information

Information presupposes timely and accurate communication of data


Management Tasks

General management: Planning, Organizing, Directing, Controlling, Staffing

Network management: All the same tasks, with specific focus

Good planning and organization reduces time spent controlling


Ten Networking Commandments

1. Thou shalt back up thy hard disk regularly2. Thou shalt schedule downtime before doing

major work upon thy server3. Thou shalt keep thy network disk clean of old

files4. Thou shalt keep an adequate supply of spare

parts5. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s network

software (and upgrade without a reason.(from Networking for Dummies, IDG, 1994)


Ten Network Commandments, cont’d

6. Thou shalt not steal thy neighbor’s software without a license

7. Thou shalt train thy users8. Thou shalt not tinker with thine Autoexec.bat,

Config.sys, or Startnet.bat unless thou knowest what thou is doing.

9. Thou shalt not drop thy guard agains viruses10. Thou shalt write down thy network

configuration in tablets of stone. (from Networking for Dummies, IDG, 1994)


Fault Management

Detect fault quicklyIsolate from SystemRepair/replace failed componentPredict faults based on patterns and

historyRedundant components for ‘fault

tolerance’


Fault Management Procedures

Concerned with the human side of network performance and fault mgt

Involves the management of complaintsRequires effective problem reporting and

tracking procedures, as well as ongoing statistics on problem management

Need to track MTTR (mean time to repair) as well as MTBF (mean time between failures)


Accounting Management

Keeping track of chargesUsage by individuals or groups


Configuration Management

Managing and documenting hardware and software configurations Network maps System and subnet names and addresses Group and user profiles and accounts Detailed system and user documentation

Net initialization and graceful shutdown


Performance Management

Ensuring the network is operating as efficiently as possible

Set limits such as throughput, response time

Monitoring activities on the netControlling by making adjustmentsStats important for planning


Security Management

Encryption keysPasswords and access listsDetect unauthorized usersMaintain usage logs for auditsProvide users with confidence


Network Management Systems

Collection of tools for Monitoring and Controlling

Hardware and softwareMonitor status and performance of

all componentsS/W resident in components

Runs in background


Network Management Entity

Collect and store statsXmit status to Control CenterChange unit parameters if necessaryPerform testsAlert Central Control to problems


Network Control Center

One unit in system designatedS/W here controls all NMEsProvides user interface for Net.

ManagerOften a backup system avail for

emergiencies


Network Management Software

Often self-configuring; they will search out active devices and include them in a logical map of the network (you must still develop a corresponding physical map)

Increasingly, network devices are “smart”; the record performance data and send it to a monitoring facility so that changes can be quickly and easily detected


Technical Control

Availability is keyNeeds

Automatic test and monitor Restore or reconfigure - NOW! Performance stats for planning


Component Tech Control

Monitor traffic to/from a stationLine Monitor

“traps signals to provide precise oicture of line activity”

Generate test signals Analog can measure attenuation and

distortionProtocol Analyzer

Active - simulates other hardware


Network Tech Control

Too many line monitors to keep track ofSystem control integrates all monitorsUses leased lines outside netRemote control of h/w and s/w from

Central ControlCentral Control is interface for Manager

diagnose problems, isolate faults, restore ops


Performance Monitoring

Second most key characteristicCollect data about response time,

throughput, and utilizationUse data to assess problems and

develop solutions


Component Monitoring

Response time monitor portable times event from send until answer is back determines Min, Max, and Avg time

Hardware Monitor measures what happens in a component time of an event, or number of events passive device


Component Monitoring

Software monitors s/w resident in a station gathers and reports statistics monitor complete events or take

snapshots no special hardware required will affect system as it monitors


Network Monitoring

Continuously measure and analyze parameters

Central monitor stationData arrives by leased lines, not netData collection modules at each

stationAble to monitor multi-vendor systemsParameters listed in Table 16-3, p. 489


Network Management Standards: SNMP

Simple Network Management ProtocolDeveloped to manage TCP/IP networksDevices collect info about themselves,

store it in a mgt. information base (MIB)Management station can monitor and

reset MIB databaseSingle system can monitor 100’s of

stations

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CIS-325 Data Communications