Network Management Systems - 6 : Overview

Summary

This video explains the purpose and variety of Network Management Systems (NMS), which are applications used to manage network devices. NMS tools range from inexpensive programs managing single vendor products to complex, costly systems that handle multiple vendors. Prices can vary from free to over $50,000, depending on features. The video emphasizes the importance of NMS in mission-critical environments, such as financial institutions, where network failures could have significant consequences. The right NMS choice depends on an organization's specific needs and the criticality of their network operations.

Takeaways

• 💻 A Network Management System (NMS) is an application used to manage network devices.
• 🔗 NMS commonly uses SNMP as the communication protocol to manage devices across the network.
• 💡 NMS systems come in various formats, from simple, inexpensive programs to more complex, costly ones.
• 🏷️ Some NMS applications are designed to only manage one vendor's products, while others can manage multiple vendors.
• 💸 NMS pricing can vary significantly, with some proprietary systems available for free and others costing over $50,000.
• 🔍 NMS features range from basic functions like checking if a device is on, to advanced troubleshooting and corrective actions.
• 🏦 The importance of an NMS is highlighted in mission-critical environments, such as managing networks for Wall Street offices.
• ⚠️ Network failures in crucial systems could lead to major disruptions, such as halting stock market trading.
• 💼 For businesses with critical network operations, investing in a high-end NMS can be justified.
• 🎯 The choice of an NMS depends on an organization's needs and the critical nature of their network operations.

Q & A

What is a Network Management System (NMS)?

A Network Management System (NMS) is an application designed to manage network devices, typically using SNMP as the communication protocol to monitor and manage devices located anywhere on the network.

What communication protocol do NMS systems commonly use?

NMS systems commonly use the SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) as their communication protocol to manage network devices.

How do the formats of NMS systems vary?

NMS systems vary in format, ranging from simple, inexpensive programs that manage only one vendor's products to complex, costly systems that can manage devices from multiple vendors.

What is the price range of NMS systems?

The price of NMS systems can range from free for some proprietary versions to over 50 thousand dollars for more advanced systems.

What factors influence the cost and capabilities of NMS applications?

The cost and capabilities of NMS applications depend on their complexity, the number of vendors' devices they can manage, and their ability to perform advanced functions like troubleshooting and corrective actions.

What are some basic functions of an NMS?

Basic NMS functions include determining if a device is turned on, monitoring network performance, and ensuring device connectivity.

What advanced functions can some NMS systems perform?

Advanced NMS systems can troubleshoot network issues, apply corrective actions to malfunctioning devices, and diagnose problems within the network.

Why are NMS systems considered important for critical networks?

NMS systems are crucial for critical networks because they help quickly identify, diagnose, and correct network problems, which can prevent costly downtime, such as in a financial institution like a Wall Street office.

How can NMS systems contribute to business continuity?

NMS systems ensure business continuity by monitoring the health of network devices, enabling quick responses to network failures, and preventing disruptions that could impact operations.

What factors should an organization consider when choosing an NMS?

Organizations should consider their specific network management needs, the criticality of their network operations, the cost of the NMS, and the capabilities required for maintaining network performance and troubleshooting.