7 - Network management architecture

Abstract

This chapter deals with network management and the network management architecture. It discusses the various functions of network management and the mechanisms used to achieve these functions. It decomposes network management into monitoring, instrumentation, and management, and explores how each of these can be achieved within the network management architecture. The essence of the network management architecture is in understanding what is to be monitored and managed, determining where to locate each network management function, and managing the flows of network management traffic. Depending on the characteristics of the developing network, there are a wide range of architectural solutions, from a simple, single-platform system with preconfigured monitoring and management capabilities, to a distributed, hierarchical system where one determine and configure its monitoring and management capabilities are determined and configured. The chapter also discusses and compares a number of variations for the network management architecture, as well as the internal and external relationships for network management. It provides the flexibility to create a network management architecture tailored to the requirements of the customer.