<
networking> The process of controlling a
network so as to
maximise its efficiency and productivity.
ISO's model
divides
network management into five categories: {fault
management},
accounting management, {configuration
management},
security management and {performance
management}.
Fault
management is the process of identifying and locating
faults in the
network. This could include discovering the
existence of the problem, identifying the source, and possibly
repairing (or at least isolating the rest of the
network from)
the problem.
Configuration
management is the process of identifying,
tracking and modifying the setup of devices on the
network.
This category is extremely important for devices that come
with numerous custom settings (e.g.
routers and {file
servers}).
Security
management is the process of controlling (granting,
limiting, restricting or denying) access to the
network and
resources thereon. This could include setting up and managing
access lists in
routers (creating "
firewalls" to keep
intruders out), creating and maintaining password access to
critical
network resources, identifying the points of entry
used by intruders and closing them.
Performance
Management is the process of measuring the
performance of various
network components. This also includes
taking measures to optimise the
network for maximum
system
performance (periodically measuring of the use of
network
resources).
Usenet newsgroup:
news:comp.dcom.net-management.
[
"Network Management: A Practical Perspective", Allan Leinwand
and Karen Fang].
(1994-11-18)