Netw420 Week 3 Paper

FCAPS Management Reference Model

XXXXX XXXXX

Network 420: Enterprise Network Management

Professor: XXXXX XXXXX

DeVry University

April 12, 2014

The FCAPS Management Reference Model

The FCAPS management reference model is primarily used by network communications and is an evolution of the Telecommunications Management Network ISO. As network communications became more complex and increasing resources with a variety of functions, a new management reference model was needed to help separate, define, and group together the widening range in functions of operational support services. FCAPS uses a five point categorization concept as a framework for network communication managers to gain orientation for function management. FCAPS is: Fault, Configuration, Accounting, Performance, and Security, which represent the five categories in the model framework. (Alexander Clemm, 2007)

Fault

Fault management handles the problematic side of network communications. Troubleshooting problems, diagnosis, fault alarms, helpdesk tickets, alarms and logging fault occurrences are management functions which would be categorized under fault management. This obviously indicates that network monitoring would be an important aspect of fault management.

Configuration

Operational functions which would consist of initial setup or alterations to existing network elements are handled by configuration management. Configuration management deals with the setup and configuration of network environments including, initial workstation and computer configurations, network device configurations, data port configurations and such would be under configuration management.

Accounting

Accounting management handles the money in the network communications environment. Accounting is focused on finances and would have such functions as Billing for services rendered, tracking assets, and keeping a favorable balance in the cost to benefit ratio when purchasing new equipment or hiring personnel to...