Network Management Systems - 8 : Functional Capabilities of an NMS

Summary

This video explains the five primary functions of a Network Management System (NMS). NMS helps manage faults by detecting, isolating, and correcting issues in the network. It also enables remote configuration of network devices, monitors traffic flow for accounting purposes, and tracks network performance to prevent degradation. Finally, NMS enhances security by monitoring traffic and configuring security features like VLANs, authentication, and firewalls. Altogether, NMS serves as a powerful tool for effective network control, ensuring smooth and secure operations.

Takeaways

• 🛠️ Network Management Systems (NMS) are essential tools for network managers.
• ⚙️ NMS performs five key functions: fault management, configuration, accounting, performance, and security.
• 🔧 Fault management involves detecting, isolating, bypassing, and correcting network problems.
• 🌐 Configuration enables remote management and setup of network devices, allowing control from anywhere.
• 📊 Accounting tracks traffic flow, connections, packet data, and switch status for better network monitoring.
• 📈 Performance tracking uses data from multiple switches to monitor and improve network operation over time.
• 🕒 Historical data helps network managers anticipate and implement necessary network upgrades before performance degrades.
• 🔒 NMS provides security by monitoring traffic, managing VLANs, and configuring authentication and firewalls.
• 💼 NMS improves overall control of networks by integrating all five functions into one system.
• 🔍 The script highlights the importance of understanding VLANs, which will be covered in future lessons.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of a Network Management System (NMS)?

The primary purpose of an NMS is to help network managers monitor, manage, and maintain a network by performing tasks like fault detection, configuration, accounting, performance tracking, and security management.

How does an NMS handle network faults?

An NMS handles network faults by detecting them, isolating the source of the issue, attempting to correct the problem, and correlating related network issues to identify patterns or causes.

What role does configuration play in network management through an NMS?

Configuration allows a network manager to remotely set up and manage network devices, such as switches, no matter their physical location. It also includes managing connections and network settings across the network.

What is the importance of accounting in network management?

Accounting in network management involves tracking traffic flows, monitoring the status of switches, and ensuring the proper logging of connections and packets to provide insight into network activity.

How does performance monitoring contribute to network management?

Performance monitoring helps track the operational status of the network by gathering statistics from multiple switches. It allows the network manager to evaluate the network's performance over time and anticipate necessary upgrades before performance degrades.

What are some security measures that an NMS can configure?

An NMS can configure security measures such as VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks), authentication protocols, and firewalls, which are essential for controlling and securing network traffic.

Why is fault correction important for a network manager?

Fault correction is crucial because it allows the network manager to resolve network issues quickly, minimizing downtime and ensuring continuous network operation. Automated corrections also reduce the need for manual intervention.

What type of historical data can an NMS use for network performance analysis?

An NMS can use historical data on network traffic, switch status, connection performance, and previous issues to analyze trends and make informed decisions regarding future network needs.

Why is traffic flow monitoring important in the accounting function of an NMS?

Traffic flow monitoring helps track network usage, identify potential bottlenecks, and ensure the network is running efficiently. It also provides data for billing purposes or resource allocation.

How does an NMS contribute to proactive network management?

By providing tools for monitoring faults, configuration, performance, and security, an NMS enables network managers to anticipate and resolve issues before they impact the network, ensuring optimal network performance and security.