FCAPS Model

The ISO FCAPS model is a major contributor to network management. It is similar to the OSI Reference Model used for internetworking (for more information regarding the OSI model, see Chapter 2, "OSI Reference Model").

The FCAPS model is made up of the following components:

• Fault Management Detects, logs, notifies users of, and (if possible) automatically fixes network issues. Most fault management systems poll the managed objects for error conditions and present this information to the network manager.

  Fault management identifies and isolates network issues, proposes problem resolution, and subsequently logs the issues and associated resolutions. The testing of any fault resolutions should be performed on non-production systems prior to deployment in a "live" network.

• Configuration Management Monitors network and system configuration information so that the impact on network operations (hardware and software elements) can be tracked and managed. Network changes, additions, and deletions need to be coordinated with the network management personnel, often in a NOC.

• Accounting Management Measures network utilization parameters so that individual or group users on a network can be regulated, billed, or charged.

• Performance Management Measures and makes network performance data available so that performance can be maintained at acceptable thresholds.

• Security Management Controls access to network resources as established by organizational security guidelines. Most network management systems address security regarding network hardware, such as someone logging into a router.

Where FCAPS is a model for network management, the next section discusses the architecture for network management.