A successful network management framework can enable an organization to improve efficiency, productivity, and resilience. It also can help organizations reduce costs and avoid disruptions.
Modern digitized businesses use a mix of cloud services and on-premises networks. These new environments present a challenge for network managers.
Topology
Topology is a branch of mathematics that deals with the properties of spaces. It can be divided into algebraic topology, combinatorial, and differential topology.
It is also crucial in computer engineering, especially in graph theory. In graph theory, topology is used to study the connectivity of objects in a network.
There are many areas of topology, but a common area involves studying manifolds (topological spaces). A manifold resembles Euclidean space near each point. For example, lines and circles are one-dimensional manifolds, while figure eights are two-dimensional.
The most common examples of topological spaces are disks, spheres, toruses, Klein bottles, and real projective planes. These objects are characterized by their connections, which can be represented in diagrams by parallel lines joining with orientations indicated by arrows.
These connections are a fundamental property of topology. They allow continuous functions to take nearby points to nearby points, compact sets to cover arbitrarily small spaces, and connected groups to be defined precisely.
Monitoring
Monitoring is collecting, analyzing, and using the information to manage performance and maximize positive impacts actively. This information can determine whether a project, program, or policy is working well and delivering the expected outcomes.
Monitoring can operate at different levels, including program, organization, sector, and country. It can also involve working across these boundaries, such as joint monitoring by two or more organizations.
Network monitoring is one of IT administrators’ most common tasks with their management tools. It checks network devices to ensure they work as they should and that any problems are addressed quickly and effectively.
This type of network monitoring typically relies on the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), an open standard supported by most network equipment manufacturers. SNMP queries network elements, such as routers and switches, and sends each response back to the management server. It then creates a report that an IT administrator can access via a network management framework in a network management system.
Configuration
Configuration management is the discipline of ensuring that the changes in software and hardware are applied correctly and without causing errors. This process includes storing and tracking configuration data, which enables a rollback if changes are made to the original code.
It can also help ensure the network topology is accurate and up-to-date when new devices are added to the system. With an up-to-date topology, it can be easier to implement a successful change to the network.
This is why it’s essential to establish a baseline configuration and ensure that the data is securely stored to be rolled back should errors occur. This helps avoid having to complete an overhaul of the network architecture.
Business owners must know how their network will work to make informed decisions about technology investments and best practices. This requires a clear understanding of how the system will interact with each other and if any compliance regulations need to be followed.
Fault Management
One of the critical elements of any network management framework is fault management. Fault management detects, isolates, and resolves problems that may impact connectivity, applications, or services.
Properly implemented, fault management can maintain network connectivity and keep applications and services up and running at their optimum levels. It can also prevent future issues from occurring.
In the case of active fault management, a system sends inquiries to various devices and nodes in the network to determine whether they are performing correctly. The system can even collect data from SNMP traps or other sources to detect abnormal performance or behavior.
If a device isn’t performing correctly, it sends a fault signal to the network manager or technician, who will then take action. This can include repairing the problem or replacing it with another part.
If the network is down due to a fault, the fault management system can automatically execute restoration programs or scripts to restore service as quickly as possible. This can save the organization time and money by minimizing downtime.
Security
Security ensures that all devices are connected securely and follow best practices to protect themselves from malware, hackers, and other threats. This can be done in several ways, such as a network management tool that will monitor the security of each device and alert you when it’s breached or stolen.
Keeping your network secure is crucial because it prevents theft, malware attacks, and other security breaches that can cost your business a lot of money. It also ensures that your employees can work without worrying about having their information compromised.
In addition, a sound network management system should ensure all devices are correctly configured and not violating security standards. This includes following industry-specific regulations like HIPAA and PCI DSS and implementing segmentation and access control.