Networking Self-Teaching Guide: OSI, TCP/IP, LANs, MANs, WANs, Implementation, Management, and Maintenance

Chapter 15. Network Management

	I believe in having each device secured and monitoring each device, rather than just monitoring holistically on the network, and then responding in short enough time for damage control.
	--Kevin Mitnick[471]

Network management is a very broad term. It is not a single aspect unto itself but encompasses the entire network operations arena, from the mundane to the cutting edge of network technological advances. It is all-inclusive, from ordering pencils for the network operations staff to buying the latest and greatest piece of networking hardware. In other words, it deals with everything required for the daily operation of the network. It includes the ability to ensure that the network runs smoothly and that the base of network users is content. Remember, there is a direct correlation between the number of calls into the network operations help desk and how well the network is designed, deployed, and maintained. In a perfectly managed network, the help desk telephones simply collect dust. Of course, this is more fantasy than reality, but the idea is to keep the call volume down as much as possible.

The opening quote for this chapter highlights that size of the network does have a bearing on its management. A small office may have a single person who manages everything about the network, so perhaps he or she can have an opportunity to use a holistic approach to network management. However, very large corporate networks have a whole hierarchy of staff, ...