Five network management categories that make up the FCAPS model - Essay Example

FCAPS Network Model Submitted to, Submitted By, of the Submitted on, [July 27, INTRODUCTION A Network Management System is a broad terminology that covers the broad subject of managing computer networks of just about very type. More specifically, the terminology covers a wide variety of software and hardware products that assist in the management of a network by the network system administrators. The core functionality of a Network Management System revolves around its FAULT, CONFIGURATION, ACCOUNTING, PEFORMANCE and SECURITY.

These five functionalities are summed up into a five lettered work FCAPS and this is how they are usually referred to. FCAPS NETWORK MODEL Management Network has coined FCAPS. According to The Computer Desktop Encyclopedia (2011), FCAPS is described as, “(Fault, Configuration, Accounting, Performance, Security) The ISO framework for network management. If an organization does not bill customers, accounting is replaced with "administration."” Thus, it is the ISO Telecommunications /management Network model for network management.

The five heads, each recognized by their starting letter, are The tasks performed by a network model, as interpreted by the ISO and are given the name FCAPS. Their brief description is stated as follows: Fault management The problems being faced by a network and the means and methods by which they are being resolved are referred to as fault management. Fault management detects and highlights any discrepancies hat may occur in the normal functioning of a network. The resolution of the discrepancies prevents them from reoccurring.

This functionality is also a part of fault management. Fault detection is essential for the successful running of a network. The fault detection mechanism of a network usually incorporates the trend analysis strategy. In accordance with it a comparison is made with earlier fault occurrences and their successful resolutions. Upon the basis of this analysis the solution to the current scenario is obtained. It is owing to the fault management functionality only that a network is kept running and functional.

The faults detected by the fault management function may be transient or persistent. Configuration Management The simple configuration techniques and tools that are essential for the working of a network are referred to as Configuration management. Controlling of everyday operations and the detection of any hardware or program changes in the network are the basic functionalities of this category. The network component configurations regarding the location, setup, inventory and maintenance of a network are provided by Configuration Management.

The standardization of the activation and deactivation of resources in a network by their control and management is done by Configuration Management. Accounting The optimal distribution of resources of a network, among all the users linked to it, is referred to as accounting or account management in a network management scenario. The maintenance of statistical records pertaining to the usage of Disk Space, CPU time and link utilization by the users connected to a network are among the tasks looked over by Accounting in a network scenario.

This, in turn, is linked to the appropriate billing of customers in accordance with their usage records. The most effective usage of each and every network resource in line with the usage statistics results in their effective use as well. This effects the overall cost of the operations being conducted in a network by minimizing them to their fullest. Reports are generated by this module and are provided to relevant authorities so that the proper idea of resource consumption and their possible replacement/upgrading schedules can be ascertained.

Performance This functionality of a network manages the overall performance of it. The performance related issues such as average response time, error rates and throughput across the network are dealt with in this function. The identification of potential problems and the possible improvements that would enhance the performance of the network are the key functions of this module. The performance of real time functionalities such as a voice and video conferencing is looked by the performance management area such that it keeps track of the voice and video quality being streamed and also the linkage of the network to a user.

Security management. This functionality ensures that only authorized is access is granted connection to the network. This prevents the network system from electronic as well as physical damage. Thus, this function is responsible for the security of the network on the whole. It also ensures that the information and statistics pertaining to each specific user are kept confidential. REFERENCES: FCAPS. (2011). Computer Desktop Encyclopedia, 1. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Tech-FAQ (2011). FCAPS. Retrieved from http://www.tech-faq.com/fcaps.

html Audin, G., & Lodge, F. (2006). FCAPS: A Model For VOIP/IPT Management. Business Communications Review, 36(12), 36-40. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.