The Problem Statement

Assignment 3: The Problem Statement

Research Methods – RES 531

July 25, 2013

Importance of network management is described. Network management problems are classified. Major classes of network management problems such as aligning code and managed data, scalability problems, management of large network elements, development problems, and changes of Management Information Base (MIBs), Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS)-related problems and the lack of quality professionals are considered. Possible methods of addressing these problems are suggested for each of the classes of network management problems. Future network management challenges and approach to overcoming them are discussed.

Networks play a crucial role in modern society and serve for business as well as for personal use. The process of managing networks becomes more and more complex in the course of time due to various factors, such as growing range of services, increasing bandwidth, greater complexity of network structure, existence of large network elements, use of devices relating to various layers of Open System Interconnection (OSI) model etc. A network should maintain flow-through automation of such FCAPS (fault-management, configuration, accounting, performance, and security) areas as fault detection, provisioning, billing, checking performance, upgrading and repairing the network.

Virtually every company managing a network might have to face problems related to the above-mentioned factors. The purpose of this paper is to classify network management problems according to their sources and develop recommendations for addressing these problems. This paper does not focus on technical issues solely; problems related to human resources, development and future potential are also considered. The paper is intended to benefit first of all network administrators and managers, as well as network developers. At the same time, the classes of network management...