Cisco network management

1. Cisco Network Management
Overview of Network Management
Different people may take network management as different meanings. It may be
considered as solitary network consultant for monitoring network activity using
outdated protocol analyzer. While network management in distributed database
environment, managing network nodes for generating real time graphics and auto
polling of network devices. There are number of tools and applications which are
used for network management to support network administrators to monitor and
maintain networks of all types.
In the early 1980s remarkable growth in field of network deployment was noted and
companies have found productivity and cost benefits by use of network and they
started with networks very fast as new products came into the market. In middle of
1980s specific company’s troubles were increased by the use of different network
technologies.
Network expansion troubles influence the networks day by day as networks grow
and each new network needs some experts for maintaining and troubleshooting it.
At early stages employee requirements for managing network created crisis for some
organizations.
Cisco Network Management Architecture
Basic structure is used in Cisco Network Management Architecture and network
devices such as computer systems, Cisco routers, and Cisco switches run applications
which enable them to find out problems in network. Software are installed on
network devices which are programmed in such a way that upon receiving alerts
these execute number of actions like operator notification, even log, system
shutdown and automatic attempts to repair that device.
These Management tools are also used to check or poll end stations and check values
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2. for specific variables. Polling could be automatic or user initiated while agents in
these managed devices could respond to all polls. Agents are known as applications
or software modules which are used to compile information of managed device and
store this information in management database and generate it proactive or reactive
entities using network management protocol within network management system.
Cisco devices make use of SNMP (simple network management protocol) for this and
management proxies are known as those entities which provide management
information on the basis of other entities.
ISO Network Management Model
ISO has played a big role in standardizing network specifications. ISO model is
basically used to understand the main functions of network management systems.
This model contains the following concepts.
Performance Management
Configuration Management
Fault Management
Security Management
Performance Management
The main objective of performance management is to calculate the performance
level of network and make it available and this level could be maintained at
acceptable level. Some examples of performance variables consist of network
throughput and user response time and line utilization.
There are three major steps which involve in performance management. First, data is
collected for variables which are according to interest of network administrators.
Secondly, data is analyzed to find out normal levels and finally 3rd step is to find out
suitable for each important variable because increase in thresholds may cause
network problem. Network Management entities are used to monitor network
performance variables on regular basis. Whenever performance of specific threshold
is increased entity will generate an alert signal to network management system.
Every step mentioned above is part of the procedure to make a reactive system.
Performance may be unacceptable due to increase in user defined threshold and
system may react by sending messages. Performance management may allow some
proactive procedures like network simulation which could be used in projects. These
simulations are used to alert administrators to be ready for impending problems and
take necessary measures.
Configuration Management
Configuration Management objective to examine Cisco Network and system
configurations database so that effects on network operation for different versions of
Cisco IOS applications could be managed.
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3. Every Cisco device contains number of versions information which is associated to it
like.
Internetwork Operating System, Version 12.4
Ethernet Interface, Version 5.3
TCP/IP software, Version 2.0
Netware Software, Version 4.2
NFS software, Version 5.1
Serial Communications controller, Version 1.1
X.25 software, Version 1.0
SNMP software, Version 3.2
This information is stored in database for easy access without any problems and
when problem occurs database could be searched to take help about specific
problem.
Fault Management
The objective of fault management is to find out, log and notify users on network
and automatically fix problems to keep the network in working position. Network
faults could cause downtime3e and unacceptable network degradation and
implementation of fault management is significant. Fault management may contain
formative symptoms and separating problems. Problems are fixed and solution is
tested and finally problems are detected.
Security Management
Security Management objective is to manage network resources with respect to local
guide and sensitive information could not be accessed without proper authentication.
Security management subsystem can however examine users to logon on network
resources and refuse access to those enter necessary access codes.
Subsystems of security management are working by partitioning network resources
towards authorized and unauthorized areas. Some users have an inappropriate
access to network because they are company outsiders. While internal network users
access information which is generated from specific department.
More Related Cisco Network Topics:
Main Network Hardware’s Difference: Integrated Devices, Router, Network Switch &
Firewall
Wireless Network: How to Configure Wireless Security?
3 WAN Protocols: HDLC, PPP, and Frame-Relay You Should Know
WLAN, WLAN’S Role & Advantages
Self-defending Networks, the Marketing’s Dead, and the Goal’s Alive
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