Summary

A data network is the lifeblood of thriving modern businesses. Because advanced networks are critical to corporations, data network technology evolves rapidly. Hand in hand with the leaps in technology and size come corresponding leaps in complexity.

When designing a computer network, it is essential to consider a network management strategy to be used once the network has been implemented. A proper network management design will include a number of different factors, including the types of protocols and equipment used to monitor the network. Factors to be considered should be (but are not limited to) network size, bandwidth, and protocols. Although two standard protocols (SNMP and RMON) dominate network management, their feature sets and equipment-specific applicability call for a wide variety of solutions.

SNMP is a management protocol for IP and provides a simple means for administrators to manage their network devices while RMON allows network managers to poll entire network segments and upper layer protocol information.

Proper selection of network management tools is almost as vital as the selection of the networking equipment. Without the tools to manage the network after it has been deployed, discovering and diagnosing network failures can become much more difficult.

Yet, as valuable as state-of-the-art technology is, network management equipment is merely a tool to help you achieve the kind of detailed data analysis that can reap performance rewards (maximizing performance and minimizing down time). That said, a network management strategy should also include a number of proactive procedures for quantifying network performance goals. You should define a baseline that can evolve as the company’s data needs change over time.

Good management strategy is the result of an accurate assessment of resources and technology and careful planning from the start of a network design process. These steps help ensure that the design becomes a functional, efficient network reality.