Solutions used in network management and their pitfalls

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Description of common solutions used in general for network management and their pitfalls

In essence, network management refers to the methods, activities, procedures and tools pertaining operation, maintenance, administration and provision of the networked systems. In this regard, Cisco works is among network management solution developed in Java through Cisco systems. Cisco plays a fundamental role in helping it’s user to manage computer network. With this regard, Cisco works provide different powerful tools that help the System administrators and technicians to troubleshoot monitor and configure the network by providing common solutions. Generally, the common solutions cover various aspects of problems as discussed below.

First, it increases the overall availability of the network. This implies that, Cisco management solution track and regulate configuration throughout the multi-vendor network infrastructure. This include switches, firewalls, load balances with wireless access point. In this sense, it offers unparalleled visibility within network changes. As a result, it assists in the overall access of network. Secondly, Cisco identifies any networking problem and as a result, fixes it. It is a well documented that, the greatest problem in internet connection is to identify the actual problem. Based on this fact, Cisco analyses network and steps in coming up with potential solutions to solve the problem. Because of identifying problems and solutions of networking, it improves the accuracy and efficiency of the network, which as a result maximises network security.

There are various pitfalls during network management. Studies have shown that, if these hazards are not well looked at, can affect the overall network, which can lead to severe frustrations (Harrington, 2003). First, one needs to update list of devices and passwords occasionally. It is also

Time consuming in that, an individual may spend a long time trying to fix the problem. Additionally, human Error may lead problems rising in the network. Researches indicate that, the biggest cause for human errors is making incorrect decisions (Peckar, 2008). For instance, if one is basing the configuration decisions without realizing the present settings with topology, the hazard of human error multiplied. In addition, it draws a parallel to Statistics.

1) The need for proactive network management for modern network applications and how Cisco works accommodate the demands for proactive network management

It is a matter of fact that, there is a need for proactive network management in the current network connection. First, there is a need to perform practical networking devices in order to prevent breakdowns before they disrupt the network connection. Additionally, there is a need of proactive network management for modern network applications to transform the new design as well as technology to increase performance along with reliability with a need of growth and flexibility. In this regard, Cisco works have accommodated these demands in the sense that, it has effectively improved networking connection in the proactive monitoring though measuring video performance. Additionally, Casco work has provided better view for organisation concerning networking applications. As a result, products to improve network management are available and advanced. These include Analysis Module (NAM), Cisco Works Quos Policy Manager (QPM), the multicast Cisco Works LAN Management Solution (LMS) Manager, Cisco Works Quos Policy Manager (QPM) and IP service-level agreement (IP SLA). As a result, these products have assisted in the analysis of IP services level applications and services. This is because, it allows measuring and carrying network assessment through verifying Quos to certify the video actual time video and voice traffic delivery.

2) What do you understand by “connectivity problems” in a network? What features of (tools) used in CM to identify connectivity problems.

Quintessentially, connectivity problems are the difficulties that occur in cases when the host of iIP connectivity is not able to send or receive connectivity. There are various tools used to verify troubleshoot issues in connectivity management. These include Analysis Module (NAM), Cisco Works Quos Policy Manager (QPM), the multicast Cisco Works LAN Management Solution (LMS) Manager, Cisco Works Quos Policy Manager (QPM) and IP service-level agreement (IP SLA). There are certain procedures that assist in resolving connectivity issue. These include:

Make Sure the ANI Server Has Current Network and End-User Host Information
Check for Duplicate MAC and IP Addresses in User Tracking
Locate the End-User Host and HR Server in the Network
Run a Path Data Trace
Investigate Link Attributes
Highlight Path Trace on Topology View

What are the requirements or purpose of a network management tool?

It is borne in mind that, network management tools play a fundamental role in network management. The main purpose of network management tools is to balancing needs such as: performance, availability, security, cost, it controls cost, Enhancing services of networking and decreasing downtime. It should also control network complexity by controlling technical assets. The tools should be able to fix the problem and eventually offers a solution before total breakdown. As a result, this helps to avoid future loss of network connection that may occur

3) What is the significance of DCR (Device and Credentials Repository) in Campus Manager?

The major significance of DCR in Campus manager is to collect data with information of devices in the network, which assists in the process of managing the devices. When collecting information an individual should Reporting network differences for reports and devices configurations and in addition; should do Topology calculation to avoid errors.

4) Three areas in network management which Campus manager is used

There are three areas in network management which campus manager can used. These include Managing Physical and Logical Network Services with Topology Services, Locating Users in the Network with User Tracking and Managing VLAN Ports with VLAN Port Assignment.

Managing Physical and Logical Network Services with Topology Services

It details network information about all devices, links, and ports within the network. In this regard, it shows the rational and physical services of the network. Research has also indicated that, it opens network management tools from the network point of views (Peckar, 2008). It is fundamental in Managing and monitoring the ATM devices in the network. It Create the LANE services through which network extend VLANs across ATM devices Segmenting the network logically and manage workgroups that use VLANs. It assists port, device and trunk attributes which is fundamental in finding port information in a VTP domain; and configure VLANs on a trunk. Finally, it reports logical problems in network setup.

Locating Users in the Network with User Tracking

In this area, it shows information pertaining users, hosts, and IP phones within the network. Studies show that, it reports about IP addresses, duplicate MAC addresses and VLAN names (Harrington, 2003). Harrington argues that, devices on the Topology Services are the highlight in this section. As a result, it adjusts and deletes notes of username in the main User Tracking table not essential.

Managing VLAN Ports with VLAN Port Assignment

This is whereby port of the device and trunk attributes port of the device to a VLAN, Configure VLANs on a trunk. In this case, campus manager are used to find port information in a VTP domain along with highlighting selected devices.

5) How do you differentiate between DFM and Campus Manage as two LMS tools?

According to Cisco Systems Inc (2001), CM are the tools that offers innovative and reliable system, which is designed to address the complex needs for physical and logical Layer 2. These Infrastructures include Complete VLAN, private VLAN (PVLAN), VLAN Trunking Protocol, (VTP) management, Spanning-tree management, visualisation, witch port reports mostly used in tracking unused ports and last-used ports. On the other hand, DFM are tools that provides Device configuration, management and monitoring that works within the data link layer (layer 2) and network layer (Layer 3).

References

Cisco Systems Inc. (2001). Internetworking troubleshooting handbook. New York: Cisco Press

Harrington, D.L. (2003). CCNP practical studies: troubleshooting. New York: Cisco Press

Peckar, M. (2008). Fognet’s Field Guide to Openview Network Node Manager, 2nd Edition. New York: Lulu. Com. Publisher

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