Posts Tagged ‘networks’

Software For Your Network Administration

February 27th, 2010

Administrating a certain network can be exhausting if the personnel rely solely on their manual capabilities. Since administering a network is made possible because of advanced computer software, network management has become more sophisticated nowadays as more and more software is developed. Because of the series of advancement, administering a network increases the number of processes which are automated. Two of the automated processes done in network administration are network configuration and network analysis.

Network configuration is an automated process which provides a number of benefits in network administration. It can reduce the amount of time allocated for certain tasks and reduce the number of errors that can possibly be committed in any tasks. It can also improve and increase configuration consistency in many multiple networked systems. Moreover, it presents a certain way of documenting process.

Network configuration products are readily available at the market. The products possess certain features which other similar products do not have. Companies such as AlterPOint, Gold Wire Technology and Intelliden have network configuration tools which main feature is their ability to store and track servers, routers, and switch configuration. Companies like Collation and Relicore provide products that can manage multiple devices without errors. Aside from these vendors, there are other companies that sell network configuration tools.

On the other hand, network analyzer is a computer software or hardware that can hold up packets that flows in a network in order to have each of them decoded and analyzed based on certain specifications. Network analyzer is also known as protocol analyzer, packet analyzer, or sniffer.

The main use of network analyzer is to intercept packets that flow in all or some parts of the network depending on the type of LAN being used. Wired LAN has greater capacity since it can intercept packets in all parts of network. Wireless LAN can only intercept packets by the use of certain channel.

There are numerous software programs for network analysis. The top software includes carnivore, dSniff, Ettercap, Fluke Lanmeter, Microsoft Network Monitor, among others. These software are best selling in the market since their features include their capability to identify network problems, identify intrusions in the network, collect and present network statistics, to name a few.

There are several vendors of network analyzers. The software can cost money, however, there are software that can be received for free. The web has a number of sites that offer both free and paid software. It is important to read reviews of each product before you select one so you can buy the best software in the market today.

Error free network administration is a noble aim which can only be materialized by the use of high tech software. Do not wait any longer before to avail of these software. Purchase network configuration tools and network analyzers now!

Network Configuration relieves the tasks and workload of your IT department. See how network analysis and organization can help better your business.

The ITIL Process and the Network Management System

November 9th, 2009

How can the ITIL process be useful in maintaining the network management system? To start with, the network management system is the hardware and software used to control and assesses a network. These network management systems are able to computerize the practices which are used for cost allotment, expense management auditing, invoice dispensation and inventory deployment.

On the other hand, the ITIL process or the Information Technology Infrastructure Library process is a series of texts that talks about concepts and policies for the best practice system used in improving their services and IT management.

The ITIL process contains a comprehensive account of the essential IT practices through the use of detailed checklists, measures and tasks modifiable by the IT manager to meet their needs. The goal of these volumes is mostly helping in producing superior IT services from the IT managers.

The ITIL process lists the five factors that are essential for directing a network management system. These volumes should be read in order. First in line is the Core Service Strategy. This volume tells them how to clear up and prioritize all their IT services and the necessary resources. It instructs the network managers how to find the latest IT market and business needs as well as teaching them how to construct a long-standing strategic approach.

Next, Service Design puts emphasis on the technology that generates these services and the people doing them. This volume teaches the IT managers how to make use of their skills in doing the assigned tasks. It shows them how to spot and make the most of the computer’s hardware and software and the other business resources to their benefit. This volume shows the IT manager how to design a system that records what services they have to offer and the effect these services have on the network, business and clients.

Service Transition means implementing the long-term strategies that were previously generated. This volume also tells about the changes to be made to the current network management system’s framework by using these strategies. It talks about the ways that the IT managers become flexible in using the new technology and services that will eventually come to pass.

Next in the series is Service Operation. This volume is necessary in maintaining the network management cycle by showing how to use the generated plans for the business as well as clients by using a customer service desk and operations management. It also puts emphasis on the daily production and delivery of IT services.

The final volume in the ITIL is Continual Service Improvement. This volume gives the managers the necessary tools to supervise, assess and develop their services thereby maintaining the cycle of the network management system.

Spencer Gordon is a network technician that utilizes many management systems. He is a professional in ITIL process and network management system.

Avoiding Network Change Snags

October 30th, 2009

In this era of instant connectivity, any business requires itself a good network system in order to be effective and stay in the competition. The networks are usually not only intranet but also include networks of their client companies and even individuals. The sole purpose for this is to maintain a communication system in real-time not only between persons but between computer systems as well.

The wider the reach the network becomes and the more people it involves, managing it also becomes more complex. This is even more felt by companies that have extended their structures beyond their national borders. Despite a fully automated network system, the human factor cannot be entirely done without yet. Sometimes, even the machines can be erratic without human intervention.

When there are non-compliant changes introduced into the network, there is always the possibility of having troubles in the system. Consequently, this will adversely affect the business processes of any company. Sometimes, this would drive the company’s IT personnel into a panic mode, hurriedly creating solutions to lessen the damage. However, remedies are oftentimes made late already.

Even in the world of information technology, the medical maxim “prevention is the best cure” still applies. It is always better to look for a solution already set in place in the network rather than depend on the ‘firemen’ reflex of an IT team. Network management software will certainly do the job. Once set-up, this software can lessen dependence on human supervision over a network.

As a network change management software also, this will easily and quickly detect any oddity introduced in the system and immediately alerts concerned IT personnel so they can take steps to prevent bigger problems. For some particular cases, it can even recognize unauthorized changes and push them out at once.

On the other hand, if the revisions or amendments are authorized, the network change management software can also launch it in the network in real-time. This makes introducing changes easy and inexpensive no matter how widespread the network is and how many units are involved. The time spent on introducing the changes is also cut down to a minimum, sometimes to no time at all.

Many organizations have long been using network management software bought from the software manufacturers. Most of those software, however, do not have the feature of being able to recognize unauthorized changes and to invalidate it. Although these may have capabilities in network management roles, these do not have the defenses against human factors and unauthorized changes. In fact, not using a network change management software has resulted in revenue losses for some companies.

On the other hand, organizations and businesses that have set up network change management software in their respective systems have greatly reduced the possibilities of downtime and other anomalies in their processes. While avoiding accidental expenses on system repairs, they have also been able to cut down expenditures on network maintenance. Their IT staffs are no longer burdened with maintenance tasks and are now concentrating more on developing the business.

Bill Marshall is a computer engineer with expertise in networks, and network communications. He has dealt with network change management software and network management software most recently.