NetworkManagement

Network management refers to the administration of computer networks to ensure reliable operation, performance, and security. It encompasses planning, deployment, monitoring, maintenance, optimization, and governance of network resources across LAN, WAN, cloud, and hybrid environments.

Key objectives include ensuring availability, performance, and security of network services; efficient use of resources; and supporting IT service management. The field follows established frameworks such as the FCAPS model, which categorizes management activities into fault, configuration, administration, performance, and security.

Core functions include fault management (detecting and resolving network faults), configuration management (maintaining device configurations and change control), accounting or administration (tracking usage and access for accounting and security), performance management (measuring and optimizing performance), and security management (enforcing policies and access controls). Additional tasks often cover provisioning, capacity planning, and change management.

Components and technologies include a network management system (NMS) or management platform that collects data from devices via protocols such as SNMP, NetConf/RESTConf, and syslog or streaming telemetry. Data is analyzed to generate alerts, dashboards, and reports. The system also provides device management, policy enforcement, and automation of configuration and change workflows.

Standards and frameworks inform best practices, with the FCAPS model commonly used, alongside ITIL and ISO/IEC 20000 alignment for service management. Benefits of effective network management include higher uptime, faster troubleshooting, optimized capacity, easier compliance, and improved security. Common challenges involve scale, heterogeneity of devices and networks, and securing management channels against unauthorized access.