Essential SNMP, 2nd Edition

The Concept of Network Management

SNMP is really about network management. Network management is a discipline of its own, but before learning about the details of SNMP in Chapter 2, it's helpful to have an overview of network management itself.

What is network management? Network management is a general concept that employs the use of various tools, techniques, and systems to aid human beings in managing various devices, systems, or networks. Let's take SNMP out of the picture right now and look at a model for network management called FCAPS, or Fault Management, Configuration Management, Accounting Management, Performance Management, and Security Management. These conceptual areas were created by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to aid in the understanding of the major functions of network management systems. Let's briefly look at each of these now.

Fault Management

The goal of fault management is to detect, log, and notify users of systems or networks of problems. In many environments, downtime of any kind is not acceptable.

Fault management dictates that these steps for fault resolution be followed:

1. Isolate the problem by using tools to determine symptoms.

2. Resolve the problem.

3. Record the process that was used to detect and resolve the problem.

While step 3 is important, it is often not used. Neglecting step 3 has the unwanted effect of causing new engineers to follow steps 1 and 2 in the dark when they could have consulted a database of troubleshooting tips. ...