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 Management2

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 Chapter 11: Network Management3

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 Chapter 11: Network Management4

Network Management and the ISO Model ISO/IEC 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 Chapter 11: Network Management5

Network Management and the ISO Model ISO/IEC –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 Chapter 11: Network Management6

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 Chapter 11: Network Management7

Objectives of Network Management 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 Chapter 11: Network Management8

Objectives of Network Management User Satisfaction – Backup Software and hardware Disk mirroring – two drives, one controller Disk duplexing – two drives, two controllers Hardware backup depends on the device Chapter 11: Network Management9

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Objectives of Network Management 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 Chapter 11: Network Management12

Objectives of Network Management User Satisfaction – Information Availability Critical to keep users updated on events Scheduled downtimes Alternative work schedules Help desk Chapter 11: Network Management13

Objectives of Network Management 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 Chapter 11: Network Management14

Objectives of Network Management Cost-Effectiveness –Modular Expansion Plan for upgrades to equipment Hubs Chapter 11: Network Management15

Objectives of Network Management Cost-Effectiveness –Equipment Expansion Buy new equipment for each expansion –Relocation of Equipment Reuse clients and servers in other locations Chapter 11: Network Management16

Meeting the Objectives Staffing –Skills required Design and configuration Diagnosis (Troubleshooting) Documentation Chapter 11: Network Management17

Meeting the Objectives 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 Chapter 11: Network Management18

Meeting the Objectives Network Analysis –Network Changes Tuning –Changes to the network based on the statistics gathered Can change transmission speeds, buffer sizes Change network configuration Chapter 11: Network Management19

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 Chapter 11: Network Management20

Network Management for Wireless Networks and e-Commerce 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 Chapter 11: Network Management21

Network Management for Wireless Networks and e-Commerce 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 Chapter 11: Network Management22

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 Chapter 11: Network Management23

General Network Monitoring Tools 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 Chapter 11: Network Management24

General Network Monitoring Tools 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 Chapter 11: Network Management25

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 Chapter 11: Network Management26

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: Network Management27

Chapter 11 Complete