The Network Management Systems - Research Paper Example

The Network Management Systems 1. Introduction The value and strength that an IT network lend to a business cannot be taken for granted and businesses have to carefully design, implement and maintain IT networks. A robust network has become an ultimate business need in corporate world today. These networks play a pivotal role in the growth and expansion of businesses and Network Management Systems (NMSs) have proved quite useful in managing large scale corporate networks. The selection of a correct NMS is vitally important and can lead to a highly available, robust and secure network. This report is intended to analyze eight network management systems one of these NMSs will be used in IT LAB network. 2. Network Management Frameworks The network management systems are designed on higher level structures called network management frameworks. There are several network management frameworks like the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) and fault-management, configuration, accounting, performance, and security (FCAPS) framework. This report will follow the five staged FCAPS framework to analyze eight NMSs. 3. Requirements Analysis Selection of a correct NMS relies heavily on an objective requirement analysis. These requirements include hardware, software and connectivity requirements. Keeping these requirements in mind the report will draw comparisons between various NMSs on the basis of cost, network management standards, future support, relative advantages and security features required at IT LAB. However, the focus of the report will remain on FCAPS framework for an efficient evaluation of Network Management Systems being gauged. Each of these solutions will be checked for its dynamic response in network fault-management, configuration and issues related to network security. The assistance provided the by the NMS for remote configuration and fault resolution is another important area which can help in its evaluation of competitive advantage. The selected solution is supposed to be proactive in order to ensure high availability and maximum uptime. Although, provisions like automated setup and configuration are not presently required but the availability of such facilities will certainly make a difference in the final selection of a network management solution. No matter how stringent a network security may be, the selected network management system is required to provide a prompt disasters management and recovery mechanisms. All of the NMSs will be assessed for the self-healing and regulated recovery provisions. Another important feature is the ease of use and user friendliness of the NMS. The system should offer adequate help and support to the managers and technicians on all technical issues required to tune the system for the best performance. The NMS will be reviewed for its flexibility and level of customization in a particular network infrastructure. Support for virtualization and remote assistance are the key checkpoints in a network management system. Virtualization is a widely employed in present day network infrastructures to ensure reduced network costs and ease of use. Specially, the interoperability provisions for various operating systems in a highly virtualized network environment should be supported by the selected NMS, Virtualization and remote assistance can expose the network management to multiple challenges and a proposed solution is required to address these challenges in a befitting manner. Managers frequently require various reports on performance and availability issues for entire network or a selected segment. A good network management system is expected to generate detailed and summary reports as and when required. These reports may gather and present information pertaining to whole network or even a specific user/IP. This report will examine one by one the availability or absence of these and other features in network management systems under consideration on an individual basis and will pick a NMS that best suit the requirement of the IT LAB. The company deals in IT support services and is planning to expand its business networks in Leeds and Aberdeen offices along with London (Head Office). Seven NMSs enlisted below are reviewed for various issues related to cost effectiveness and network performance. a) GFI Network Server Monitor b) SNMPc7 c) HP OpenView Network Node Manager Advanced Edition 7.0 d) IPswitch Whatsup Gold e) Remote Desktop for Spiceworks f) EM7 Meta-Appliances g) MapIT Next Generation Intelligent Infrastructure Management h) Manage Engine a) GFI Network Server Monitor (i) Introduction GFI Network Server Monitor is a proactive network monitoring tool that identifies the threats irregularities and abnormalities in all infrastructure devices and servers. GFI is platform independent and can be deployed with Windows as well as Linux servers. The GFI network management system has its own management interface which eliminates the need of any third party tool to ensure its configuration and setup. (ii) FCAPS Analysis Fault Management Features Proactive Monitoring Immediate automatic responses whenever a threat or abnormal network activity is detected. The monitoring and automatic response covers faults and irregularities in every network segment Monitors hardware devices, software like databases, web and windows services. Automatic recovery minimizes the downtime for the network which is a main feature of fault management in FCAPS. Configuration Features It can be used to configure devices like routers, servers, switches. Software configuration like database server, web server, exchange server etc. Services configuration like windows services, web services Customized OS level checks for Windows and Linux platforms. Accounting Features Ensures and maximizes the usage of infrastructure devices and resources. It can manage the Active Directory accounts and groups, computer hardware, web access, SharePoint accounts and .net and database accounts and services. Gives rise to cost effective use of these resources and avoids leakages and denial of services. Performance Features Keeps a constant check on services and hardware performance of every device Generate alerts, messages and remedial scripts. Offers flexible web-based performance monitoring Ensure that managers can keep a check on performance and take appropriate step right in time. Security Features The GFI Network Server Monitor provide fool proof security mechanisms Security Choices award in 2005 The strict monitoring for hardware and software resources Shield against internal and external threats to the system and can block the threats by anticipating future vulnerabilities of the infrastructure. (GFI, 2005, p.3). b) SNMPc7 (i) Introduction SNMPc7 Network Monitoring and Management System is widely deployed in the corporate sector. More than 100,000 deployments testify its worth in network management of small, medium and large organizational networks. Its scalability, ease of use and adaptability feature makes it an easy choice for network managers. In order to have detailed look at its feature following is a FCAPS analysis of SNMPc7 Network Monitoring and Management System. (SNMPc7, 2011). (ii) FCAPS Analysis Fault Management Features Early fault capturing mechanisms that can predict future threats Provide failover mechanisms Fault alerts and notification through emails, SMS, Pager and domain management systems. Proactive in detection and recovery Reporting through integrated topology maps, trend analysis and event logs BitView Scripting tool for customized shielding against network threats. Configuration Features Offers Management Service Provider Configurations for large intranets. Platform independent configurations for all infrastructure devices without any bar on make and model of the equipment. Programmable interfaces Configurable Send/Receive Strings Support for multiple topology hierarchies Custom Tables, Expressions and Menus Accounting Features Remote monitoring of user accounts Allocation of adequate resources to all devices and services Reduced wasted bandwidth Performance Features Automatic discovery of new infrastructure devices Automatic services discovery on each devices to ensure services are up and running on each device all the time. ODBC and text exports Security Features Tailor made security features through scripts, encryption and authentication mechanisms. SHA/MD5 Authentication and DES encryption. Automatic event reporting and handling Live and standby server support backups (SNMPc7, 2011) c) HP OpenView Network Node Manager Advanced Edition 7.0 (i) Introduction HP OpenView Network Node Manager Advanced Edition 7.0 is an intelligent multi-threaded NMS. Presents critically important information and focuses the diagnostic process in a convenient manner. The Network Node Manager presents the information that is short and accurate. The built-in intelligence in the system identifies the most important clue from the heap of events that always occurring in a network. The basic objective is to ease out the network managers and to minimize the Mean Time to Repair (MTTR). The events are classified in special categories and this organization of information helps in fast and dynamic completion of repair cycle. (HP, 2003). (ii) FCAPS Analysis Fault Management Features Active event analyzer filters, reduces events and intelligently performs diagnosis. Graphical representation of problem areas Problem isolation mechanisms with root cause detection and present the total impact on the network Identifies the affected users in case of a segmental failure. Topology monitoring, updates and mapping Export of event logs to external databases. Configuration Features Vendor’s device-specific configuration and diagnosis Can be configured to send hardware failure alerts Configuration between router, switches and system interfaces Accounting Features Remote monitoring of user accounts Cost effective solution Provide technical support, online support, mission critical support, development assistance and many other cost-effective services. Performance Features The system provided intelligence and automation increase staff performance. Efficient repair times reduce the cost of maintenance Fast and easy implementation Scheduled automatic backups System’s self assessment and automatic fine tuning. IP telephony management console HP OpenView Performance Insight keeps the manager updated on performance issues Supports coldStart and warmStart features System can detect forward and backward congestions in Frame Relay networks Security Features Security feature are discussed in the datasheet d) IPswitch WhatsUp Gold Distributed Edition (i) Introduction IPswitch WhatsUp Gold Distributed Edition provides a Comprehensive Enterprise Network Management. It has got all features that a traditional network management system has to offer, additionally it provides out of the box solutions to situation and abnormalities that may occur in a WAN or LAN time to time. The system is designed for a centralized Network Operation Center (NOC). The system provides a 360° view of the network along with actionable system intelligence and control. Following is a FCAPS analysis of IPswitch WhatsUp Gold Distributed Edition; (ii) FCAPS Analysis Fault Management Features Provision of separate dashboard for each remote site makes fault monitoring and management. Windows and web-based local and remote consoles for monitoring, control and trouble shooting. Alerts via mobiles and PDAs Predictive and configurable alerts Instantaneous and historical reporting Proactive and predictive SNMP and WMI monitoring Real time and centralized network management Configuration Features Auto device detection and system configuration Automatic device mapping and configurations Accounting Features Topology independence and support for clients from heterogeneous environment Integration of inform received from remote sites. Performance Features Supports bulk changes Works well with low bandwidth Highly scalable Policy based traffic minimization Security Features Offers full SNMP v3 security. SNMP discovery and traps to ensure extended security 128-bit SSL Encryption (IPswitch, 2009) e) Remote Desktop for Spiceworks (i) Introduction NTRglobal Remote Desktop for Spiceworks is network management solution specially designed for remote management connection across heterogeneous platforms. The NMS ensures quick and effective problem detection and resolution in larger networks without any performance overhead. Following is a FCAPS analysis of Remote Desktop for Spiceworks; (ii) FCAPS Analysis Fault Management Features Real time and centralized network management Strong remote rectification Graphical support for fault management and error prediction Auto recovery from connection failures Configuration Features Easy to configure and maintain Deployable on Windows, MAC and Linux machines. No footprints on remote computers Seamless implementation and configuration across platforms Accounting Features Maintains session history and which provide better accountability. Saves cost of implementation and maintenance through competitive price and productivity boost up. Reduces support cost in IP Networks. Performance Features Reduced Mean Time To Respond (MTTR). Enhance First Call Resolution (FCR). Fast on demand remote connections Security Features Implements OAuth security standard for account authorization and access. Fault-tolerant backups ensure maximum security and redundancy. Enhanced and secure application. ISO 27001 Certified system. Qualys ® SECURE Seal Safe Harbor Certified. 256 bit AES encryption OWASP Testing standard. (NTRglobal, 2011) f) EM7 Meta-Appliances (i) Introduction EM7 Meta-Appliances is complete solution for entire IT infrastructure monitoring and management services. The NMS is can be deployed in a variety of IT environments and can deliver the cost-effective services while maintaining higher level of network availability and security. Following is a FCAPS analysis of EM7 Meta-Appliances; (ii) FCAPS Analysis Fault Management Features Real time and centralized network management Detailed reporting through a variety of communication channels Automatic ticketing Customizable alerts and notifications Escalated remedial and predictive mechanisms. Monitoring templates Configuration Features Reporting for configuration changes Automatic collection of configuration information Support for VoIP and Exchange Servers Accounting Features Maintains assets inventory. Personalized access controls Immediate Return on Investment (ROI). Performance Features Performance monitoring dashboard. Problem resolution at conversation speed Include support for VoIP Open development platform Integration with third party tools Network performance analyzer. Security Features Security features are not discussed at length in the datasheet. (EM7, 2011) g) MapIT G2 (i) Introduction MapIT G2 is a Next-Generation Intelligent Infrastructure Solution for Physical Layer Network Management. The NMS is a complete upgrade of Siemon’s popular MapIT Intelligent Infrastructure Management (IIM) solution. MapIT G2 is complete solution which includes specially designed hardware that can be used to increase the network reliability and maintainability. MapIT G2 cable management equipment is specially designed for data centers Following is a FCAPS analysis of MapIT G2 system; (ii) FCAPS Analysis Fault Management Features Anticipate management and network issues and run automated remedial mechanisms. Robust search engine locates network problems quickly. MapIT includes a work order module which can be used for circuit traces, floor layouts and rack views. This information can be extend be very helpful for operators and technicians. Circuit tracer can be used to isolate circuit faults. MapIT have an integrated database which updates automatically and contains complete information on the network. A predictive and proactive system The system has a smart panel which can be used to trace and manage cables at patch panel. This feature can reduce a lot of effort and will save a lot of time that is consumed in troubleshooting entangled patch panel cables. The smart panel feature can also help in dynamic labeling of these cables. The data collect and managed by smart panel can be exported to MapIT database where it can be used for network mapping and other purposes. Configuration Features Automatic reporting for configuration changes through built-in intelligence features. Dynamic integration of infrastructure information in to MapIT IM from MapIT G2 smart panels, cables, fiber enclosures etc. Accounting Features Maintains assets inventory. Reduces the manpower requirements through building intelligence in cabling hardware. Performance Features Drastic reduction of downtimes through the use of intelligent systems. Performance through better manageability and maintainability features. Self diagnostics increases the reliability of the system The system has integrated peak performance tools available in the market. Security Features Detects and logs any physical layer changes like a cable unplug or equipment disconnect Send real-time alerts for any unauthorized access. (MapIT, 2011) h) ManageEngine (i) Introduction ManageEngine is specifically designed for small and medium sized enterprises. The software approaches the network management task from visualization to proactive monitoring and generate automated responses for various occurrences in the network. Each network activity is logged and reports can be generated for any specific time and network segment. (ii) FCAPS Analysis Fault Management Features Automated discover of all network problems. The data collect and managed by smart panel can be exported to MapIT database where it can be used for network mapping and other purposes. Custom mapping for problem isolation and rectification. Collects and reports hardware and software information and log any irregularities. Send alerts and notification through SMS and emails. Automatic ticketing system to ensure a managed and orderly problem resolution. Configuration Features Automatic reporting for configuration changes through built-in intelligence features. Dynamic integration of infrastructure information in to MapIT IM from MapIT G2 smart panels, cables, fiber enclosures etc. Accounting Features Maintains assets inventory. Grouping of all infrastructure devices into preset categories. Separate interface for various network professionals according to their designations. Performance Features Generates network scenarios that cover every aspect of the network and thus ensures solution through proactive monitoring. Performance through better manageability and maintainability features. Separate SMS engine bypass the exchange server to ensure fastest communication with clients and users through SMSs. Unmanned problem solving mechanisms. Separate web-based module for ticketing and problem resolution. Modular design ensures better management of available system resource and avoids bottlenecks. Security Features Detects and logs any physical layer changes like a cable unplug or equipment disconnect Send real-time alerts for any unauthorized access. ManagePro module runs predefined and custom scripts to handle errors. (ManageEngine, 2011) 4. Conclusion Keeping in view the FCAPS analysis of all the Network Management Systems and requirement analysis, HP OpenView Network Node Manager Advanced Edition 7.0 is selected as the most suitable NMS for the IT LAB. References EM7 2011, EM7 Meta-Appliances: Integrated Systems, Network & Application Management, viewed 18 October, 2011, GFI 2005, GFI Network Server Monitor, viewed 15 October, 2011, HP 2003, HP OpenView Network Node Manager Advanced Edition 7.0, 17 October, 2011, IPswitch 2009, Ipswitch WhatsUp Gold Distributed Edition Comprehensive Enterprise Network Management, , viewed 16 October, 2011, ManageEngine 2011, Cost Effective Network Management For Today.s SMEs, viewed 20 October, 2011, < http://www.manageengine.co.uk/> MapIT G2 2011, MapIT G2 is a Next-Generation Intelligent Infrastructure Solution, 16 October, 2011, NTRglobal 2011, Remote Desktop for Spiceworks, viewed 15 October, 2011, SNMPc7 2011, SNMPc Network Manager, viewed 15 October, 2011, < http://www.castlerock.com/products/snmpc/default.php> Read More