How to Choose the Best Network Management Tool?

In today's complex technological landscape, efficiently managing a network is crucial. Network Management Tools, also known as Network Management Systems (NMS), are essential for overseeing and optimizing network performance, security, and reliability. An NMS typically includes features such as network discovery, performance monitoring, fault detection, and configuration management to ensure smooth operations. As organizations rely on intricate network environments, the ability to document, control, and manage network devices effectively while maintaining the health of network links makes a network management tool indispensable for optimal network performance.

This blog provides an in-depth look at network management systems, exploring their core components, key features, benefits, and future trends.

Core Components of network management tool

• Network Discovery and Inventory

• End of Life Detection

• Network Topology Creation

• Network Device Configuration Assessment

• Network Device Configuration Gap Remediation

• Network Device Hardening

• Network Security Posture

• Network Security Compliance (NIST)

• Device Configuration Backup

• Device Health Monitoring

• Link Performance Monitoring

Network Management tool or NMS, and Its Components

1. Network Discovery: Inventory the Foundation

The journey of effective network management begins with network discovery. This crucial first step involves identifying and cataloguing all network devices.

What to Include:

Device Make and Model: Record the manufacturer and model of each device.

Serial Numbers: Document unique identifiers for each device.

OS Versions: Note the operating system versions running on the devices.

Network discovery ensures that you have a comprehensive inventory, providing a solid foundation for subsequent management tasks.

2. End-of-Life (EOL) Detection: Planning for Obsolescence

End-of-Life (EOL) detection is vital for maintaining network resilience and security. Devices approaching their EOL date may no longer receive updates or support, posing a risk to network stability and security.

Best Practices:

Regular Updates: Stay informed about the EOL status of your devices.

Replacement Planning: Develop a plan for replacing or upgrading devices before they reach EOL.

3. Topology Creation: Mapping the Network Landscape

Topology creation involves designing a visual representation of the network's structure. This map provides insights into how devices and connections are arranged, aiding in troubleshooting and planning.

Key Elements:

Physical Topology: Layout of physical connections.

Logical Topology: The arrangement of network services and data flow.

An accurate topology map is essential for understanding network relationships and optimizing performance.

4. Device Configuration Assessment: Adhering to Best Practices

Assessing device configurations against industry best practices is crucial for ensuring network efficiency and security. This involves evaluating configurations for consistency with recommended settings and guidelines.

Focus Areas:

Configuration Standards: Ensure devices are configured according to established best practices.

Documentation: Maintain detailed records of configurations for future reference.

6. Compliance Posture: Meeting Regulatory Standards

Compliance with standards such as NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) is essential for adhering to regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

Steps to Ensure Compliance:

Understand Requirements: Familiarize yourself with relevant standards and regulations.

Implement Controls: Apply necessary controls and procedures to meet compliance requirements.

Regular Reviews: Continuously review and update policies to stay compliant.

7. Remediation of Configuration Gaps and Device Hardening

Addressing configuration gaps and hardening devices are critical for maintaining network hygiene and security.

Actions to Take:

• Identify Gaps: Use assessments and audits to find configuration deficiencies.

• Apply Hardening Techniques: Implement measures such as disabling unnecessary services and applying security patches.

• Regular Updates: Continuously update and review device configurations.

8. Real-Time Monitoring: The Second Phase of Network Management

Once devices are properly configured, the next phase involves real-time monitoring. This phase is crucial for ensuring continuous network health and performance.

Monitoring Strategies:

• SNMP Configuration: Set up SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) to monitor device health metrics such as CPU usage, memory utilization, and overall device state.

• Data Storage: Ensure monitoring data is preserved for at least six months for analysis and troubleshooting.

• Alerting: Configure alerts to notify admins when performance thresholds are breached.

9. Link Performance Monitoring: Ensuring Network Integrity

Effective network performance management requires vigilant monitoring of not only devices but also the network links themselves. Link performance monitoring ensures that the network connections between devices are operating efficiently and reliably. Here are the critical metrics to focus on for comprehensive link performance monitoring:

Essential Metrics:

• Bandwidth Utilization: Monitor the volume of data being transmitted across the network links. High bandwidth utilization can indicate network congestion, which may lead to slower performance and impact user experience. Regularly reviewing bandwidth usage helps in optimizing network capacity and planning for future upgrades.

• Latency: Measure the delay experienced during data transmission between devices. High latency can affect real-time applications such as VoIP or online gaming, leading to delays and reduced performance. Ensuring low latency is crucial for maintaining a responsive network.

• Error Rates: Track the frequency of errors occurring on the network links. These can include various issues such as packet loss or checksum errors. Monitoring error rates helps in identifying problems with the physical network infrastructure or configuration issues that need to be addressed.

• Packet Loss: Assess the proportion of packets that fail to reach their destination during transmission. Packet loss can disrupt data integrity and lead to significant performance issues, such as degraded quality in streaming services or failed data transfers. Regular monitoring and addressing the causes of packet loss are vital for maintaining network reliability.

• Jitter: Evaluate the variation in latency over time, known as jitter. Jitter can cause inconsistent data transmission speeds and affect the quality of real-time applications like video conferencing or online gaming. Monitoring jitter helps in ensuring stable and smooth data flows, which is crucial for applications sensitive to timing variations.

10. Configuration Backup: Safeguarding Network Configurations

Regular configuration backups are vital for disaster recovery and ensuring that you can restore settings if needed.

Backup Best Practices:

Automate Backups: Schedule regular backups of device configurations.

Store Securely: Ensure backups are stored securely and are easily accessible.

11. Syslog Collection: Capturing System Logs

Syslog collection involves gathering and storing system logs from network devices. These logs provide valuable information for troubleshooting and security analysis.

Implementation Tips:

Centralized Logging: Use a centralized syslog server to collect logs from all devices.

Retention Policy: Implement a log retention policy to manage storage and compliance.

12. Benefits of Network Management Tool

Better Governance

Provides comprehensive control and oversight, ensuring consistent policy enforcement and regulatory compliance.

Cost Efficiency

Automates tasks and optimizes resources, reducing operational costs and preventing expensive issues.

Enhanced Stability & Security

Improves network stability and security through real-time monitoring and proactive threat detection.

Reduced Downtime

Minimizes network downtime by quickly identifying and resolving issues with timely alerts and monitoring.

High Availability and Uptime

Maintains reliable network service with constant performance optimization and prompt fault resolution.

Improved User Experience

Ensures consistent performance and reliable connectivity, leading to higher user satisfaction and productivity.

Faster ROI

Offers long-term savings by automating management tasks and preventing costly network disruptions.

13. Challenges of Managing Network Management Tools

Setup and Installation

Configuring and deploying a new NMS can be complex and time-consuming, requiring careful planning and execution to ensure a successful implementation.

Integration with Ecosystem

Seamlessly integrating the NMS with existing network infrastructure and other tools can be challenging, often necessitating compatibility checks and custom configurations.

On-Prem Server Management

Maintaining on-premises servers for the NMS involves regular updates, operating system management, and database upkeep, which can be resource-intensive and require ongoing regular engagement & attention making it hard to manage.

On-Prem Hardware Scalability

As network data and devices increase, upgrading on-premises hardware to keep pace with growing demands and maintain performance levels can be both costly and logistically challenging.

14. Future Trends

AI and Machine Learning in NMS

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are increasingly being integrated into NMS to enhance pattern reading, predictive analytics, and anomaly detection.

On-Cloud Presence

Given the numerous challenges associated with managing on-premises servers and storage for NMS, opting for cloud solutions is often preferable. Cloud services shift the management burden to the solution provider, alleviating concerns related to maintenance, upgrades, and integration, and allowing organizations to focus on core activities.

Network Automation

Solutions with built-in automation minimize manual tasks, leading to greater efficiency and fewer errors.

Conclusion

Effective network management is a comprehensive process that involves discovery, assessment, real-time monitoring, and ongoing maintenance. By following this structured approach, network administrators can ensure that their networks are well-managed, secure, and compliant with industry standards.

Adopting AI, cloud technologies, and network automation will simplify operations, enhance efficiency, improve network health, and boost overall performance.