Network management functions involve monitoring and controlling a computer network to optimize its efficiency. Data collection is crucial for planning and implementing activities. The four main divisions are operations, maintenance, procurement, and administration, each with specific functions such as network planning, access control, and resource allocation. Provisioning configures the network for effective use while maintenance performs repairs, upgrades, and adds equipment.
Network management functions specify the processes and procedures used to effectively monitor and control a computer network in order to keep it optimized for efficient use. Data is essential to perform these functions in order to create a reliable network. The categorization of network management functions begins with the breakdown of the main management areas and then groups the relevant functions aligned to each category. There are four main categorical divisions of network management functions: operations, maintenance, procurement, and administration. The specified functions include network planning, access control, resource allocation, network resource coordination, network monitoring, analysis, security, optimization and management of related accounting functions .
Data is critical to network management functions, because reliable data informs functions needed to efficiently configure, optimize, secure, monitor and control the network. Data collection is therefore a crucial part of any network management division. The techniques and tools used to collect the required data include installing agents throughout the network that can be monitored, simulating various actions that commonly occur on the network to measure network response, analyzing activity and even monitoring of users who interact with the network. The information gathered from these activities is then used to plan and implement activities associated with each of the major network management divisions and their specific functions.
Operations focus on maintaining network efficiency at all times. For the most part, this involves monitoring your network and analyzing its data for clues about potential problems. Objectively, network management functions within operations seek to recognize a problem or threat before it poses a risk to the network and/or end users, responding with appropriate measures. On the other hand, administration engages in network management functions that take into account all network resources, allocating them and making sure that those resources are used efficiently throughout the network. Primarily, administration is focused on network control.
Provisioning pertains to the relevant network management functions that configure the network for correct and effective use. For example, a provisioning process might include adding a new feature to the network or configuring a network service for a new customer. Maintenance comes into the picture at various intervals to perform functions that serve the network or to fix discovered problems with network equipment. These functions not only include repairs, but will also consist of upgrades and adding equipment to the network when required.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
