Modern network management is an incredibly important part of any business or organization. To optimize network management, you first need to have an understanding of what a network entails. In general, network management is about the collection and use of data and maintaining performance, reliability and security.
The following are specific things to know about network management.
Components of a Network Management System
There are a few core areas of a good network management system, which include:
- Network administration: This includes maintaining an inventory of the resources that are part of the network. Resources include cables, routers, computers, and servers. Network administration can also be used to refer to the set-up of networks, updating software, troubleshooting and monitoring performance.
- Network operation: This focuses on making sure a network is operating the way it should without problems. Network operation relies on constant monitoring for any performance problems and identifying potential problems because they lead to issues that users will notice or be affected by.
- Network maintenance: Maintenance is not just the repair but also the upgrade of any equipment that’s part of the network. Patching and updating software is an example of network maintenance.
- Provisioning: Network provisioning means ensuring resources are used to meet a specific need.
- Security: Without adequate network security in place, there’s no way for the network as a whole to fulfill the needs of a business. Network security involves the installation of protection software and the monitoring of network behavior. If a security issue does arise, it needs to be resolved quickly.
Network Devices
The following are examples of some of the devices that are part of a network:
- Clients: A client is an application or a system that connects to a server. A client, in terms of a network, sends a request to a server. The server then fulfills the request, and then the connection ends.
- Servers: A server accepts requests made by a computer either over a local network or the internet. The server responds to the request and manages network resources. Hosting a website is an example of something a server might manage on a network.
- Switches: These can be virtual or physical, and they connect all the devices that are part of a network to one another. A switch lets the devices on a network communicate with one another.
- Routers: Routers can also be virtual or physical, and they connect computer networks. A router analyzes IP addresses and then identifies a way to reach the destination in the best way possible.
- Firewalls: A firewall is a router but with more security. A firewall can block data from moving around a network, for example.
- Access Points: These are part of a wireless network and they connect an endpoint device to a local area network. Access points help extend a network’s wireless coverage so that more users can then connect.
Network Management Protocol
Network management protocol or NMP is a term you might hear. It’s an outline of the policies and processes that are used to manage the network.
NMP and network management in general as required to make sure that all the new technologies deployed within a business to keep it competitive are properly maintained. The user experience needs to be upheld, and cyberattacks need to be prevented at each possible entry point.
Many businesses will use network management software, which simplifies the availability of tools that system administrators can rely on.
These tools will automate many of the key facets of network management, minimizing manual intervention.
What Are the Benefits of Network Management Services?
If you decide to invest in network management services, there are a number of possible benefits.
First, they allow for cost control. The simpler you can make IT management, the more money you can save.
Network management services improve efficiency. Your team can focus on innovation and creative thinking while knowing that the network is being continuously and automatically monitored.
With the proper tools for network management, there is reduced downtime. Reducing downtime should be a key priority because any downtime at all can be incredibly expensive and can affect your brand.
Networks are increasingly complex because of the number of devices that are often on them, and again, automated tools are ideal for network management in the face of this complexity.
Finally, there are several different types of networks, including a Local Area Network, a Wireless Local Area Network, and a Virtual Area Network. There’s also a Wide Area Network and a Virtual Private Network.
