In very simple terms, network management solutions refers to the
planning, maintenance, and security of the network.
It also includes surveillance of the tools and operations that are
connected with the running of the network. The network management
solutions are used as a part of the network management strategy and are
designed to help in the proper functioning of your network.
They ensure that the problems in your network are detected in a timely
manner, preferably before it does any harm to your system. Network
management solutions also involve modifying or configuring the network,
so that certain additional features can be incorporated within the
network system. They also involve maintenance of the network, which
includes task like repairing of the faulty routers, and a general
monitoring of the various parts of the network. Network management
solutions are also useful for monitoring the accounting and the
performance factors of the network.
If you need to sum up the various network management solutions that you
can use, you can use the acronym FCAPS. The ‘F’ stands for fault
function. This means that this network management solution would detect
any problems in your network and would try to rectify that before it
takes a potentially dangerous turn. Most network management solutions
operate automatically in these situations. They have an efficient alert
system that can detect any error at the circuit level or any problem
with the router or the server, instantly as it happens. Once the
problem is detected, you can take the help of the support technician if
the network fails to update or rectify automatically.
Another important network management solution is the one that performs
the function of configuration (‘C’ in FCAPS). The network needs to be
configured from time to time, so that it can adjust to the new load. It
is also important to check the compatibility of the software and the
hardware operating within your network in frequent succession and find
out whether they require any change in case additional facilities are
added. Some network management solutions also have accounting functions
(‘A’ in FCAPS). that involve checking of the services related to the
billing purpose.
Certain network management solutions
are also used to monitor the performance factor (‘P’ in FCAPS). of the
network. This includes a regular surveillance on the general
functioning of the network and the usage of the network resources. It
also includes checking for updates and features that might maintain and
enhance the efficiency of the network. There are network management
solutions that are specially used for device maintenance, and the
technologies used for that are SNMP, Java Management Extensions, CORBA
etc. Some network management solutions are also used to provide
security (‘S’ in FCAPS). to the network. This is very useful as it
helps to maintain the confidentiality of your database, even as it
monitors the documents, files, applications, websites, chats and emails
that are used in your network.
These are various network management solutions that are often clubbed
together by the network management tools and come together as a
complete package. The facilities that they offer are treated as
different components of network management. Various network management solutions have
special functions like the ones that are used specially in the medical
sector. Thus, network monitoring solutions are needed to improve the
efficiency, adaptability and the productivity of your system. That’s
why using them has become an essential part of the contemporary IT
infrastructure.