Network Analysis - What Is Networking - Essay Example

? Network Analysis Network Analysis Networking What is networking? (a) A process This is the process of making and maintaining mutually valuable links among groups and organizations, which work or operate either a certain sector or community which is of a particular interest to them. (b) Developmental Formal and informal communication and information sharing is facilitated through networking. It provides opportunities to establish and develop relationships which are provided, thus helping in clarifying boundaries. Successful networking is built through the development of trust, respect and understanding that result due to successful networking (Andersen, Balakrishnan, Kaashoek, & Morris, 2001). (c) Relationship based A complex set of relationships between organizations is a basis of networking. These relationships will be strengthened and provide more cohesion within a sector during the course of the network development. Through this, there will be a provision on the basis for mutual support and the opportunity in order to recognize partnerships as well as resource-sharing protocols (Andrew, 2006). (d) Inclusive When they are non-hierarchical, networks will magnify the development of these relationships which are both inclusive and diverse in their membership, thriving when information can flow freely, providing a wide range of opportunities and platforms for both the people and organizations to meet and interact, thus learning and sharing knowledge (Chaudhuri, 2004). Differing characteristics of networks There are basically two types of networks. These are personal networks and information sharing networks which tend to spontaneously develop due to the ongoing necessities of day-to-day work within a sector. Networks can have no specific structure or management, thus being informal. Their coverage can also be irregular and limited by dependence on interpersonal relationships. Also, by virtue of having regular meetings, it is portrayed that information sharing networks can also have a more structured format. Since they are accessible, they are open to a wide membership, meaning a better coverage (Childress, 2000). Networks are proficient ways of creating connections as well as sharing and distributing information. What is required is someone taking up the responsibility for their management. However, we should be aware that relationships stand a chance of stagnating, thus the network ceases to provide ongoing benefits to participants, end result being atrophy. More formality is necessary for dialogue and influencing networks. They involve meetings, discussion and often decision making. These results due to a more conscious desire to proactively address problems, increase the capacity or create a collective voice. Those organizations with shared values will tend to attract, thus becoming more exclusive. Higher levels of trust will need to develop if a collective action is being undertaken. More than one of these purposes can be met by a combination of networks, thus being an efficient use of time and resources, therefore, attracting a broad diversity of organizations (Cisco Systems, Inc., 2003). Network analysis Basically, a combination of softwares and hardware made up of five basic parts is what is termed as a network analyzer. These parts include: Hardware A majority of network analyzers function with ordinary systems of operations (OSs) and network interface cards (NICs), thus are software-based. However, there are some specialized hardware network analyzers offering extra benefits like analyzing hardware faults including voltage problems, Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) errors and cable problems among others. Some network analyzers may only support wireless adapters or Ethernet while others give support to several adapters simultaneously, allowing users to sometimes customize their configuration. A hub or a cable tap may be required to connect to the accessible cable (Dyche, 2000). Capture driver The responsibility of this part is the capturing of traffic of the raw network from a network analyzer’s cable. It’s also responsible for filtering out the traffic that you want to store the data in a buffer. Capture driver is the core of a network analyzer and it is not possible to capture data in its absence. Buffer Captured data is stored in this component until it is full in a cyclic method where the newest data takes the place of the oldest data. Buffers can either be memory-based or disk-based. Real-time analysis Data is analyzed by real-time analysis as it comes off the cable. This is used by some network analyzers to locate issues pertaining to network performance. Network intrusion detection systems do this to detect intrusion (Han, Kamber, & Pei, 2011). Decode Contents of the network traffic with descriptions are displayed by this component, making it human-readable. Since decodes are precise to each protocol, network analyzers are inclined to alter in the number of decodes currently supported. Nevertheless, new decodes are continuously being added to network analysis (Kedar, 2009). The following are elements important for a network analysis: Clear purpose – what is the network for? Networks need to be enhanced in response to an identified need in a community so as to gain support. Clarifying and identifying a clear purpose will bring in focus to the work of the network, establish clear boundaries, and give a basis for evaluation (Kurose & Keith, 2005). The following are examples of purposes for networks: Information sharing: members are updated on current developments making contacts: members interact for mutual benefit Mutual support: morale and confidence building Advocacy: endorsing an opinion on a certain issue or event Learning: make out certain topics for discussion and learning Planning: Identifying emerging trends and issues. Agreed activities – what will the network do? Networks can achieve a wide range of activities and outcomes. Thus, it is crucial that the members have realistic expectations (Shelly, 2003). These expectations are flexible and grow as the network develops. Some examples of activities for networks are: Holding frequent information-sharing gatherings. Arrange for speakers and lectures. Organize conferences, workshops and seminars Bring forth resources. Maintain membership and contact lists. Develop and support teamwork and partnership Make possible brainstorming sessions Organize events. Style and structure – how will the network operate? Purpose and outcomes are reflected as a result of style and structure of operation so as to contribute and benefit from networking. There is need to feel safe and comprehend what acceptable behavior is. Examples of network structures include: Rotation of responsibility for managing the network around differing member organizations A particular organization takes on the duty of managing the network’s operations Cooperation of a small group of organizations to manage the network Formation of subgroups that will manage various aspects of the network activities Defined roles and responsibilities – what jobs need to be done and who will do them? There will be a series of roles and responsibilities necessary in ensuring healthy functioning depending on the purpose and activities of the network. In the least formal networks, there will need to be responsibility for notification and hosting of meetings. The other roles which may be necessary include: Facilitation Keeping minutes Organizing programmes Maintaining mail lists and membership Organizational capacity – what can one contribute? The level and availability of resources and staff available to networks determine the ability of voluntary organizations to engage in networking. The ability of small organizations to devote time and energy to networking is very crucial – particularly if it leads to no positive return (Simmonds, Sandilands, & Van Ekert, 2004). Larger established organizations tend to have a greater resources and greater ability to engage in networking. Noting and accepting different organizational capacity enables groups who would otherwise be marginalized to participate in networks. Co-operative working in order to expand the incurred costs and demands of maintaining a network, offers the same benefits to a range of organizations (Wendell, Rus, & Denise, 2010). Resourcing the network – how will the costs of the network be met? There is always a cost component involved in developing a network. The activities of the network will determine the level of resourcing needed. A variety of ways can be used to meet these costs and more than often, member groups or organizations are usually willing to contribute. Organizations or groups may be at a position of availing specific resources which they can contribute, like meeting rooms or staff time. However, it’s worth noting that if there exists ongoing expenses which are either not acknowledged or taken for granted, resentments and imbalances within the network may crop up. What should also be considered is that raising funds to support the network, like for the purpose of employing staff, will bring up big challenges pertaining to accountabilities, issues of employment and financial management responsibilities. It is very important that the resourcing requirements are openly discussed and transparent agreements reached. Important components of networking are trust and good will, thus the simpler and more straightforward they are, the less the energy required to sustain them (William, 2004). References Andersen, D., Balakrishnan, H., Kaashoek, M., & Morris, R., 2001. Resilient Overlay Networks. Available from http://nms.lcs.mit.edu/papers/ron-sosp2001.html (Accessed January, 22 2013). Andrew, S., 2006. Computer Networks. London: Pearson Education. Chaudhuri, P., 2004. Computer Organization and Design. London: PHI Learning. Childress, D., 2000. Technology of the Gods: The Incredible Sciences of the Ancients. London: Adventures Unlimited Press. Cisco Systems, Inc., 2003. CCNA: network media types. Available from ciscopress.com (Accessed January, 22 2013). Dyche, J., 2000. Turning Data into Information with Data Warehousing. London: Addison Wesley. Han, J., Kamber, M., & Pei, J., 2011. Data Mining: Concepts and Techniques. London: Morgan Kaufman. Kedar, S., 2009. Database Management Systems. New York: Technical Publications. Kurose, J. F., and Keith, W. R., 2005. Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach Featuring the Internet. London: Pearson Education. Shelly, G et al., 2003. Discovering Computers. London: Sage. Simmonds, A., Sandilands, P., & Van Ekert, L., 2004. Ontology for Network Security Attacks. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 3285, pp. 317–323. Wendell, O., Rus, H., & Denise, D., 2010. CCIE Routing and Switching. Indianapolis: Cisco Press. William, S., 2004. Computer Networking with Internet Protocols and Technology. London: Pearson Education. Read More