Compaq 288900-001 Compaq Netelligent Network Management Overview - Page 3

043A/0996 NETWORK MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW (cont'd) ... NETWORK MANAGEMENT DEFINED Network management is a set of tools and processes that enables you to control, monitor, and troubleshoot your network. Some tools control the logical network, which can include servers, user accounts and resources. This paper discusses management of the physical network, comprised of repeaters, switches, routers, cable plants, and network interface controllers. Problems such as repeater and switch failure, intermittent cable operation, and incorrect controller settings occur in the physical layer of the network. Management of the physical network can be divided into two areas: proactive and reactive tools. Proactive tools help you anticipate and prevent problems. Reactive tools help you identify and solve problems once they occur. PROACTIVE NETWORK MANAGEMENT Proactive network management is the most important aspect of network management. It involves actively searching the network for faults and monitoring the network's performance and error statistics, even though problems may not have occurred. Like radar, proactive network management informs you of the changing conditions in your environment, and alerts you to serious problems on the horizon. As your network grows, management software enables you to monitor network traffic and configure the network infrastructure accordingly. For example, you can use a network management application to maintain or increase performance by isolating segments that communicate infrequently. Scenario As a network administrator, you need to increase performance in the network by segmenting groups of users that do not need to communicate directly. How do you determine which users to put on each segment? Too frequently, network managers are forced to make an educated guess, implementing a solution that may not work for all users. A network management application provides a tool to monitor the traffic flow as well as implement the new segmentation scheme. Segmenting the network increases the overall performance of the network by isolating traffic on each segment. A router or bridge installed between the segments enables users to communicate between segments when necessary. As the network continues to grow in size and complexity, you can use segmentation to maintain a smooth-running, structured network environment. Figure 1 - A flat unsegmented network Figure 1 shows eight nodes in a flat, unsegmented LAN. Each node's transmission affects the overall available bandwidth, and therefore performance. The repeater in the diagram can be segmented (divided into smaller, isolated networks). However, without the benefit of management software, it is difficult, if not impossible, to determine how best to segment the repeater. 3