CHAPTER 1:

INTRODUCTION TO
NETWORK MANAGEMENT

NETWORK MANAGEMENT
Outlines
What is network management?
ISO network management categories
Network management architecture
Evolution of network management
Management tools
Network Documentation
Can you give any example of
common network problems?
Common Network Problems
Loss of connectivity (Link, Node, Interface)
Duplicate IP address (Procedural)
Intermittent problems
A system interface problem in a shared medium
Network configuration issues
Non-problems
The cause of failure is a mystery. (Turn off , Turn on)
Performance problems
The cause of long network delay and increasing the
response time
Network Management?
Network management refers to the activities, methods,
procedures, and tools that pertain to the operation,
administration, maintenance, and provisioning of networked
systems.

What is the goal of network management?

To ensure that the users of a network receive the IT services
with the quality of service (QoS) that they expect
 ISO Network Management Categories

The ISO divided the Network Management Model into five categories

Functions of Network
Management Model

Configuration Accounting
Fault Management
Management Management

Performance Security
Management Management
 Fault management log, detect and respond to
fault conditions in the network
Configuration management track devices and
their hardware and software configurations
Accounting management - specify, log and control
user access to network resources
Performance management quantify, measure,
report, analyze and control performance of
network components
Security Management control access to network
resources according to some well-defined policy
Network Management Architecture
Network Management Architecture
Managed Device
Devices to be monitored/controlled, e.g., router, switch, hub,
bridge, workstation.
Managing Entity
Used by the manager/Admin to do network management
PC, notebook, terminal, etc., installed with a software called
Network Management System (NMS)
NMS displays/analyzes data from management agents
Network Management Protocol
Runs between the managing entity and the managed
devices
E.g., SNMP: Simple Network Management Protocol
 Network Management Tools
Company Product URL Comments

Network Observer 8 http://www.netinst.com/html/observer.ht Supports Ethernet, Token Ring, FDDI, GigaBit and
Instruments ml Windows 98/ME and NT/2000/XP. Includes capture
for protocol analysis. Price is $995.00

Precision LANwatch32 v6.0 http://www.guesswork.com/snmptool.ht Described to be an easy-to-use command-line application

Guesswork ml that allows you to GET a variable, SET a variable, get
the NEXT variable, or even get all the variables.
Provides programs for receiving ALERTS, as well as
a simple monitoring program that allows you to tell if
your hosts are SNMP reachable, IP reachable, or not
reachable. Allows you to remotely monitor, gather
and change networking information from hosts on
your network. Enables you to diagnose existing
problems on the network, predict where problems are
likely to occur, pinpoint faulty routers and interfaces,
and, in general, exert control over your network.

Cisco Small Network http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/cc/pd/ Cisco produces many network management products. These
Management wr2k/wrsnms/ products seem most appropriate for audience of this
LAN Management book.
http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/cc/pd/
wr2k/lnmn/
MDF
Main Distribution Frame
The MDF is the main computer room for servers, hubs,
routers, DSL's, etc. to reside.
It interconnects and manages the telecommunications
wiring between itself and any number of IDFs
The MDF connects private or public lines coming into a
building with the internal network
MDF Scheme
IDF
Independent Distribution Frame
The IDF is a remote room or closet connected to the MDF by
fiber optic cable
Cables entering a building run through a centralized MDF, then
each individual IDF and then on to specific workstations
For example, an enterprise that encompasses a building with
several floors may have one MDF on the first floor and one IDF
on each of the floors that is connected to the MDF
Hubs and patch panels can be found in IDF
IDF Scheme

IDF 1

IDF 2
Information in Document

1. IP addresses of all devices on the network with static IP addresses.

2. Server documentation on all servers as outlined in the "Server
Documentation" document.
3. Network drawings showing:
The locations and IP addresses of all hubs, switches, routers, and firewalls on
the network.
The various security zones on the network and devices that control access
between them.
The locations of every network drop and the associated switch and port on
the switch supplying that connection.
The interrelationship between all network devices showing lines running
between the network devices.
All subnets on the network and their relationships including the range of IP
addresses on all subnets and netmask information.
All wide area network (WAN) or metropolitan area network (MAN)
information including network devices connecting them and IP addresses of
connecting devices.
Information in Document cont.

4. Configuration information on all network devices

including:
Switches
Routers
Firewalls
5. Configuration shall include but not be limited to:
IP Address
Netmask
Default gateway
DNS server IP addresses for primary and secondary DNS servers.
Any relevant WINS server information
 Information in Document cont.
6. Network connection information including:
Type of connection to the internet or other WAN/MAN including T1,T3,
frame relay.
Provider of internet/WAN/MAN connection and contact information for
sales and support.
Configuration information including netmask, network ID, and gateway.
Physical location of where the cabling enters the building and circuit number.
7. DHCP server settings showing:
Range of IP addresses assigned by all DHCP servers on all subnets.
Subnet mask, default gateway, DNS server settings, WINS server settings
assigned by all DHCP servers on all subnets.
Lease duration time
Additional Document Contents

All key service accounts an login account user-id and

passwords
Procedures on how to maintain the network technology,
including Operating Systems, security related services,
backup and disaster recovery (business continuity), and
firewall technologies
Operating System and application licensing
Key contact information

The above is just the basic items that need to be

documented within a computer network. There are many
more aspects to network documentation.
Best Practice

Label
Create the labeling scheme with the idea that the
structure of the network will be constantly changing
as will the people who use the network
Logbook
Log the configurations of your servers, workstations,
and users
Example: server log, workstation log, security log
Documentation Tools
Microsoft Visio
Physical layout (OSI Layers 1 & 2)
Logical Layout (OSI Layer 3)

Flow Charting

MDF & IDF planning and layout

Network services & application structure (OSI layers 4-

7)
Auto discovery of network topologies
 Visio

Diagraming
Devices
Internet

Topology

Data Flow
Router

Workstation #1 Server

Ethernet

Workstation #2 Laser printer

 MDF & IDF Layouts

Documentation will include

Map of location
physical layout of rack
mounts
auxiliary equipment, and
servers
patch panel labels to
identify cable
terminations.
Identification and
configuration details of all
Created with Microsoft Visio 2000 equipment located in the
distribution facility
Reflection

Based on the problems you have

identified, did you think network
management system can overcome
the issues? Why?
References
www.comp.hkbu.edu.hk/~chxw/course/comp4690/
notes/a02.ppt