1. Mr C Johnston ICT Teacher www.computechedu.co.uk
BTEC IT Unit 05 - Lesson 11 Network Management Functions
Mr C Johnston
ICT Teacher

2. Session Objectives
Know different functions which network managers need to perform and why they are important,
Produce writing frames which can be used as content for task 2 of the assignment.

3. Network Management Functions
Network management functions are jobs which network managers, administrators and operators do, to manage the network and keep it running smoothly.
They fall into a number of categories:
Configuration,
Fault Management,
Account Management,
Monitoring Performance Variables,
Maintaining Security,
Data Logging,
Checking Performance and Traffic,
Reporting.
- see separate worksheet

5. Monitoring Performance Variables
Performance variables are figures which can be used to measure how important parts of the network are performing,
Network tools will report back to the network manager / administrator with the statistics including a comparison with historical data,
Comparisons show either improvements or deteriorations in network performance – this highlights if a tweak has worked or potential problems which need further investigation.
Performance variables include:
Network throughput,
User response times,
Line utilisation.

7. Goals of Fault Management
To ensure that faults are properly reported
Fault cures are correctly documented
Fault managers stick to their SLA
To minimise downtime caused by faults

8. Goals of Account Management
To ensure that faults are properly reported
Fault cures are correctly documented
Fault managers stick to their SLA
To minimise downtime caused by faults.

9. Task 2 – Part A[P4]
This task requires you to write a report which explains the main network management functions.
For each management function you need to:
Explain what the function evolves,
What is this function? Why carry out this function? Why is the function important? How does it help maintain the network?
Explain with examples typical jobs / activities which take place during the task.
Use a subheading for each function and write your content below – start with in class discussions and use the books / internet to expand the content.
P4 – explain the functions of network management
P4 is straightforward and the unit content indicates the expected content. For this criterion the verb is ‘explain’, which indicates more than a straightforward description. Including how and why as key questions helps produce an extended answer.
For each function of network management write about two paragraphs of explanation. HINT Search for ISO Network Management Model for further notes!!

10. Task 2 – Part B[M2]
This task requires you to add the goal of each network management function to your report.
A goal is defined as: A desired result.
Add a clear section with a heading explaining what the goal is of each network management function is - you could put it in a box so its clearly stands out.
M2 – explain the goals of fault management
For M2 to be awarded, the explanation of fault management should include why it is necessary, the aim and the consequences of failing.
HINT Search for ISO Network Management Model for assistance on the goals and consequences of failing.

11. Task 2 – Part C[D2]
This task requires you to explain different activities which can be done to monitor performance and explain the benefit of each.
Different activities which can be used can be found by researching on the internet or within the BTEC books.
This will add to the “checking performance and traffic” section of the report.
D1 – justify the inclusion of routine performance management activities within a network manager’s role
For the justification of routine performance management activities you could add a explain what these are and then outline their benefits -
D1 requires a justification for carrying out routine performance management activities, which should include aspects related to efficiency and quality standards. HINT Search for ISO Network Management Model for assistance on different performance management activitites and the benefits each offers.

12. Network Management Links