Understanding the network.pdf - Back to Home

interpretation of the data for network problem resolution and network growth
planning is still needed.
Summary
In terms of actual time, you will spend more time managing and troubleshooting
your network than you will actually spend designing and building it. In this chapter,
we looked at the different areas that make up network management. By the end of
this chapter, you should have an understanding of the following:
• SNMP and its components, SMI, ASN.1, and BER
• Basic network management models
• Network baselining
• What a BERT, a TDR, and a protocol analyzer are
• What a MIB is
The topic of network management, troubleshooting, and analysis is extensive. The
goal of this chapter (and the others in this book, for that matter) has been to provide
you with a basic understanding of the essential concepts. There are numerous
information resources available in print and on the Internet dealing with this topic,
some of which have been listed below.
The essential thing you need to determine before implementing any network
management solution is what you expect the solution to accomplish. Without a set
of defined operational goals and expectations, you will find it difficult to determine
the correct management solution for your network.
Again, the importance of documentation cannot be emphasized enough. If you and
others cannot understand the relationship of the various network components in
terms of the location, configuration, various hardware and software components,
and their roles and interdependencies in the operation in the network, you will
quickly find yourself in an untenable situation. The operation of any network, large
or small, is dependent on solid planning, testing, and documentation. By following
these simple concepts, you will find understanding your network a relatively easy
task.
Related RFCs
RFC
1028
RFC
1052
Simple Gateway Monitoring Protocol
IAB recommendations for the development of Internet network
management standards