Tech Topic Network Management

 

Network management can be defined as the ability to monitor, manage, and respond to anything inside your network, causing the network to not work correctly for any clients. Hynes 2019 states that there are five primary functions in network management: detecting the problem, isolating the problem, troubleshooting the problem, and documenting what was don’t to correct the problem. Several different items are included in your network, including clients, servers, access points, firewalls, switches, and routers. Furthermore, there are several types of networks, with the most common being WAN, WLAN, and LAN. However, depending on the network level you are monitoring, you may only have access to your LAN or WLAN. Throughout network management, several key fundamentals of Information Technology have been taught throughout this course.

            First, network management is the critical component of keeping it all together in the information technology field. Knowing how all things in the network work together, such as the hardware, software, applications, and computing devices will make managing the network more effortless. If you do not understand some fundamental basics, you will not be able to manage the network correctly.

            Next, network management relies on the hardware of the computing systems to report information correctly to troubleshoot the problems within the network and show when the network is running efficiently. Network performance is measured using metrics like throughput, uptime and downtime, error rates, percentage utilization, response time, and latency. This data is primarily collected using SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), without which we couldn’t identify devices, monitor network performance, or keep track of changes to the network (Hynes, 2019).

            Furthermore, one of the programming languages commonly used in network management is Python. This open-source programming language is the top choice of the open-source community. Network admins use Python for automating system administration tasks. It can be operated using plugins and scripts to integrate into various workflows.

            In addition to programming language, software plays a crucial role in network management. Several applications and software-based programs will allow you to manage everything within your network to include the transmission pieces of your signal flow. I am familiar with the program SolarWinds. SolarWinds lets you trace packets, monitor switches, routers, and traffic. Having this ability through intelligent software makes monitoring your network reliable and straightforward. In recent history, SolarWinds has been shown to have vulnerabilities to allow outside intruders to get information about your network configuration and security. As with anything in technology, the correct security protocols must be implemented once a vulnerability in the network has been identified. Gartner Inc, 2021, has several alternative monitoring tools available other than SolarWinds, such as Nagios, Microsoft, and ManageEngine. Knowing all your software and application options is just as crucial to make sure you have the capabilities need to manage and protect your network.

            By the same token, network security and network architecture are crucial elements of network management. Understanding what services you are providing and how the information flows through the network will better manage the network. Knowing how data is routed through the network allows me to troubleshoot network hardware and software problems as a communicator. For instance, if I can do a traceroute and get all my routers aren’t responding, I can pinpoint where the network error occurs. Likewise, network security is essential to prevent personally identifiable information from being leaked. The information within your network should be protected. You must ensure you have the correct hardware and software on your network to monitor threats and vulnerabilities. All networks have vulnerabilities; our job at the network management level ensures we have the appropriate policies and procedures to prevent unrepairable damage.

          In summary, effectively managing your network relies on your ability to understand the fundamentals of Information Technology. Knowing how all components of hardware, software, applications, security, and monitoring tools work together will allow you to manage your network effectively. Stephen Nappo 2021 said it best “Technology trust is a good thing, but control is a better one.”

   

References

Contributor, S. (2021, April 19). Network Management Guide: How To, Best Practices, & Tools - DNSstuff. Software Reviews, Opinions, and Tips - DNSstuff. https://www.dnsstuff.com/network-management

Gartner, Inc. (2021, February 3). Top SolarWinds Competitors and Alternatives - Gartner 2021 - IT Infrastructure Monitoring Tools. Gartner. https://www.gartner.com/reviews/market/it-infrastructure-monitoring-tools/vendor/solarwinds/alternatives

Hynes, A. (2021, February 16). Network Management: What It Is and How It Works - Auvik Networks. Auvik Networks Inc. https://www.auvik.com/franklyit/blog/network-management-for-msps-nutshell/

 

Vahid, F., & Lysecky, S. (2017). Computing technology for all. Retrieved from zybooks.zyante.com/