TechDogs-"All You Need To Know About Network Management"

Networking Solutions

All You Need To Know About Network Management

By TechDogs Editorial Team

TechDogs
Overall Rating

Overview

Welcome! The fate of Jumanji is in your hands!

This iconic line brings us several memories of Jumanji. Welcome to the Jungle (2017), a movie loaded with fantasy plots, thrilling moments and iconic characters. We all know how Spencer, a coy introvert, turns into the super-cool Dr. Smolder Bravestone, aka Dwayne '#TheRock' Johnson and faces deadly adventures along with his clan.

This article also has a new game for you, a game of (drum roll!) Network Management and the good news is that like Jumanji players, you will also get a lifeline by the end of this article! (Yeah, in the end, this game is a bit different). So, do you know enough about Network Management to ace all the rounds? Get ready and buckle up! Let’s start this exciting game of Network Management.
TechDogs-"All You Need To Know About Network Management"-Network Management Doesn't Have To Be A Misadventure!
Welcome to the world of Network Management!

We're kidding! The fate of networking relies on super-efficient and diligent Network Management itself.

Before we hop on to the first level, let's understand what 'Network Management' means. Network Management is a process that administers, manages and operates a network management software or tool. This system contains network devices, namely switches, routers, wireless controllers and so on. It uses the centralized server to collect data from its network elements. The server can be located in a private data center, on-premises and on the cloud. Network Management utilizes the combination of these servers, management software and hardware devices to constantly collect and analyze data to scale up the performance, reliability and security of networks.

Now that we are familiar with Network Management, it's time to start Level 1 and get deep insights into this whole concept.
 

Level 1: Understanding Network Management


Jumanji begins when Spencer convinces his friend to play the game and they all get drawn into it! However, this game is not like that - Network Management begins with level one. See, it’s simple!
 
Network Management enables administrators with the tools required for maintaining enterprise networks without excessive manual interference. It handles complex networks belonging to data centers and businesses by integrating wired (example - cables, telephone, etc.) and wireless (example - LAN, router, etc.) management. Network Management involves two key elements - a managing device or a manager and managed device, aka management agents.

You must be wondering why businesses need this software.  Well, an appropriate Network Management solution is a must for IT teams to manage their enterprise network. The two points to keep in mind are:
 
  • At present, networks carry sensitive and valuable information (data, video and audio) which requires sharp network service levels and complete visibility.
  • Innovative digital technologies are the backbone of businesses to maintain a competitive edge. Along with that, it is essential to protect business data from cyber-attacks. 

Hence, Network Management enables businesses and organizations to safeguard their networks and their data transmissions. Moreover, it allows for quick troubleshooting and resolution of issues. Just as Jumanji had a history, so did Network Management. Let's look at the “Next Level.”

Next, let’s see why businesses need this software.
 

Why Do Businesses Need Network Management?


An appropriate Network Management solution is a must for IT teams to manage their enterprise network. Two points to keep in mind are
 
  • At present, networks carry sensitive and valuable information (data, video and audio) which requires sharp network service levels and complete visibility.

  • Innovative digital technologies are the backbone of businesses to maintain a competitive edge. Along with that, it is essential to protect business data from cyber-attacks.


Hence, Network Management enables businesses and organizations to safeguard their networks and their data transmissions. Moreover, it allows for quick troubleshooting and resolution of issues. Just as Jumanji had a history, so did Network Management. Let's look at the “Next Level.”
 

Level 2: Diving Into The History Of Network Management


The history of Network Management starts somewhat before the 1980s.  It was an era when Network Management was highly proprietary because of high development costs.

However, the late 1980s brought in the hope of rapid development of large and complex networks that led to the significant diffusion of Network Management Technology.
 
  • In November 1987, the Simple Gateway Monitoring Protocol (SGMP) was issued, which is considered the starting point of Network Management.

  • In 1988, the Internet Architecture Board approved the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) as a short-term solution for Network Management.


SNMP and Common Management Information Protocol paved the path for Standardized Network Management (SNM) and the development of innovative Network Management - which as a result, is floating on cloud nine today.
 
Level 2- Successfully done!

Level 3 begins!
 

Level 3: Illustration Of How Does Network Management Works


This level is all about how Network Management works to help your business networks.
 
  • Administration

    Network Management ensures that network administration is appropriately done by keeping an inventory of network resources and equipment such as cables, routers, servers and computers. It also refers to setting up a network, monitoring its performance and updating and troubleshooting the software.

  • Operations

    This step ensures that the network is running smoothly and without any issues. It covers monitoring the network for performance problems along with fixing them before they affect the end-user.

  • Maintenance

    Network Management includes repairing and upgrading the network equipment. It also involves updating and patching software to enable continuity, along with implementing preventive policies and improving faulty configurations.

  • Provisioning

    This task of Network Management is all about allocating and configuring network resources to meet the evolving needs of businesses.


​It is visible that Network Management helps businesses in various ways. Level 4 is all about knowing the benefits and importance for businesses and organizations. Let’s go!
 

Level 4: Decoding The Benefits Of Network Management


Remember how lifelines benefited the Jumanji players in multiple ways? This level is here to highlight the benefits of Network Management to businesses – which is their lifeline for business continuity!
 
As technology advances, the size and scope of networks have grown significantly. Network Management has become necessary to ensure that networks run smoothly and efficiently. Network Management detects and helps respond to security threats very quickly. Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence help in learning about the network and figuring out the network’s baseline (that is, measuring and reviewing the normal performance of a network in real-time). In case the baseline is disrupted for any reason, Network Management tools immediately alert the IT managers.

Network Management makes it convenient to monitor, diagnose and solve network problems. Eventually, when your business grows, monitoring new devices, new IP addresses and other network assets become essential. Network Management can help as it lets you monitor and secure your network so that it runs smoothly. Besides this, Network Management enables the managers to identify servers and devices that aren’t working properly and resolve issues quicker.

Network Management tools also perform critical tasks such as administrating, operating, maintaining and provisioning network resources, which eventually enhances the businesses' IT productivity. While each of these tasks strengthens network security, reduces network disruptions and reviews network performances, what’s even more amazing is the future of Network Management!

Let's take a #sneakpeek into the future of Network Management - the concluding level of this game.
 

Level 5: What's In The Future!


Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle ends when the players exit the game and come back to the real world. Yet, one day, out of nowhere they hear the drumbeats coming from the game cartridge and hints toward the future installments of this movie. Likewise, the concluding level of this game is here to give you insights into the future of Network Management.
 
Modern IT Network Management is incomplete without virtualization and software-defined Networking. This will continue to be a trend in the future and cloud-based Network Management will allow companies to manage their networks from virtually anywhere.

Wireless Network Controllers aka WNCs will be developed to consolidate the wireless network management into a unified Network Management tool. Network Management as a whole will extensively focus on simplicity and streamlining processes and functionalities.

A robust Network Management will bring a fresh security paradigm for the IT departments of businesses and give to remote work management. In the end, any business or organization heavily relies on networking technologies every day and they need a Networking Management tool that can meet all their current demands and scale quickly as they grow.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Network Management?


Network Management is a crucial process for administering, managing and operating network infrastructure efficiently. It involves utilizing network management software or tools to oversee various network devices such as switches, routers and wireless controllers. These tools collect data from network elements and utilize centralized servers, which can be located in private data centers, on-premises, or in the cloud. Network Management aims to enhance network performance, reliability and security by continuously collecting and analyzing data to optimize network operations.

Why Do businesses Need Network Management?


Businesses require Network Management solutions to effectively manage their enterprise networks for several reasons. Firstly, modern networks handle sensitive and valuable information, necessitating sharp network service levels and complete visibility to ensure data security and integrity. Secondly, with the increasing reliance on digital technologies for maintaining a competitive edge, it's crucial to protect business data from cyber threats. Network Management enables organizations to safeguard their networks, ensure data transmissions remain secure and facilitates quick troubleshooting and issue resolution.


What Are The Benefits Of Network Management For Businesses?


Network Management offers numerous benefits for businesses, playing a vital role in ensuring smooth network operations and enhancing overall productivity. It helps detect and respond to security threats quickly, leveraging technologies like Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence to monitor network performance and identify abnormalities. Network Management tools facilitate monitoring, diagnosing and solving network problems efficiently, ensuring optimal network performance even as businesses grow. Additionally, Network Management enhances IT productivity by administering, operating, maintaining and provisioning network resources effectively, thereby strengthening network security, reducing disruptions and improving overall network performance.

Enjoyed what you read? Great news – there’s a lot more to explore!

Dive into our content repository of the latest tech news, a diverse range of articles spanning introductory guides, product reviews, trends and more, along with engaging interviews, up-to-date AI blogs and hilarious tech memes!

Also explore our collection of branded insights via informative white papers, enlightening case studies, in-depth reports, educational videos and exciting events and webinars from leading global brands.

Head to the TechDogs homepage to Know Your World of technology today!

Disclaimer - Reference to any specific product, software or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by TechDogs nor should any data or content published be relied upon. The views expressed by TechDogs' members and guests are their own and their appearance on our site does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by TechDogs' Authors are those of the Authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of TechDogs or any of its officials. While we aim to provide valuable and helpful information, some content on TechDogs' site may not have been thoroughly reviewed for every detail or aspect. We encourage users to verify any information independently where necessary.

Join The Discussion

- Promoted By TechDogs -

IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Modern Endpoint Security for Midsize Businesses 2024 Vendor Assessment