Network Management Software
Network management software is software that is used to provision, discover, monitor and maintain computer networks.
With the expansion of the world wide web and the Internet, computer networks have become very large and complex, making them impossible to manage manually. In response, a suite of network management software was developed to help reduce the burden of managing the growing complexity of computer networks.
Network management software usually collects information about network devices (which are called Nodes) using protocols like SNMP, ICMP, CDP etc. This information is then presented to network administrators in an easy to understand and accessible manner to help them quickly identify and remediate problems.
Some advanced network control software may rectify network problems automatically. Network management program may also help with tasks involved in provisioning new networks, such as installing and configuring new network nodes etc. Network management tools may also help with maintenance of existing networks like upgrading software on existing network devices, creating new virtual networks etc.
Functions
Provisioning: Enables network managers to provision new network devices in an environment. Automating this step reduces cost and eliminates chances of human error.
Mapping or Discovery: Enables the software to discover the features of a target network. Some features that are usually discovered are: the nodes in a network, the connectivity between these nodes, the vendor types, the performance characteristics etc.
Monitoring: Enables the network management system to monitor the network for problems and to suggest improvements. The software may poll the devices periodically or register itself to receive alerts from network devices. One mechanism for network devices to volunteer information about itself is by sending an SNMP Trap. Monitoring can reveal faults in the network such as failed or misconfigured nodes, performance bottlenecks, intrusions etc.
Configuration management: Enables the software to ensure that the network configuration is as desired and there is no configuration drift.
Regulatory compliance: Enables the network management system software to ensure that the network meets the regulatory standards and complies with applicable laws.
Change control: Enables the software to ensure that the network changes are enacted in a controlled and coordinated manner. Change control can enable audit trails which has applications during a forensic investigation after a network intrusion.
Software Asset Management:Provides software deployment and patch management.
Cybersecurity: Enabled the software to use all the data gathered from the nodes to identify security risks in an IT environment.
The most popular products in category Network Management Software All category products
Suppliers Network Management Software
Vendors Network Management Software
F.A.Q. about Network Management Software
What does Network Inventory Management system mean?
Network inventory management is the process of keeping records of all the IT or network assets that make up the network.
It enables network administrators/businesses to have a physical record of all IT and network equipment within the organization.
Network inventory management is generally performed to through IT asset tracking software that scans, compiles and records data about each device/node over a network.
Network inventory management software may include:
- Number of routers, their make, type and place of installation, serial number
- IP addresses of all devices/nodes, IP addressing scheme used
- Number and type of software along with license keys and expiry dates
This data helps businesses with:
- Network size estimation
- Network capacity planning
- Network cost/ROI estimation
- Physical network administration (to deal with device/equipment loss and theft)
What is SNMP Management Software?
SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) management software is an application or program used to manage and monitor many network devices – such as servers, printers, hubs, switches, and routers – that are SNMP-aware and which an SNMP agent software can poll and receive alert traps when needed.
SNMP network management software is currently considered the best choice by professionals for IP (Internet Protocol) network management, and as a result, SNMP is widely supported and featured in many hardware devices and network management software packages.
SNMP software is designed to be able to be deployed on a large number of network devices, to have minimal impact and transport requirements on the managed nodes and to continue working when most other network applications fail.
Materials
What is network management?
https://blog.gigamon.com/2019/03/21/what-is-network-management/