Network Management Paper: You Will Research And R ✓ Solved

Network Management Paperin This Paperyou Will Research And Report On

Network Management Paper: In this paper, you will research and report on network management tools associated with ( 1 ) policy compliance, ( 2 ) bandwidth management, and ( 3 ) asset management. Compare and contrast, at least, one tool for each of the three network management areas. What is the best tool for each area? Can one tool be used for managing more than one area? Why or why not? Support your information and make sure all information sources are appropriately cited. The paper must use APA 6th ed. , 7th printing formatting and contain a title page, 3 to 5 and a minimum of three peer-reviewed references Please watch follwing video

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Network Management Paperin This Paperyou Will Research And Report On

Network Management Paperin This Paperyou Will Research And Report On

Effective network management is crucial for ensuring optimal performance, security, and reliability of information systems within organizations. As networks grow increasingly complex, managers rely on various tools to oversee different aspects such as policy compliance, bandwidth allocation, and asset management. This paper explores three prominent categories of network management tools, comparing and contrasting at least one leading tool for each category. Additionally, it evaluates whether one tool can serve multiple management functions, discussing the implications of such integration for network administrators.

Policy Compliance Management Tools

Policy compliance in network management involves ensuring that network configurations, security protocols, and operational procedures adhere to organizational standards and industry regulations. One prominent tool in this domain is Cisco's Network Policy Server (NPS), which enforces policies related to network access and security. NPS functions as a RADIUS server, authenticating and authorizing users and devices attempting to access network resources, thus maintaining compliance with security policies (Cisco, 2021).

Comparatively, SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager (NCM) offers policy compliance features by automating configuration management and auditing network devices for compliance deviations. SolarWinds NCM allows administrators to enforce configuration policies across diverse devices, providing alerts and reports regarding compliance status (SolarWinds, 2022).

While Cisco NPS primarily manages user access policies, SolarWinds NCM focuses on device configuration policies. Recognizing the strengths, Cisco NPS excels in security policy enforcement, particularly for network access, whereas SolarWinds NCM provides comprehensive configuration compliance checks across multiple devices. The choice of the best tool depends on specific organizational needs, though SolarWinds NCM's broader configuration management makes it highly versatile for overall policy compliance.

Bandwidth Management Tools

Bandwidth management involves monitoring and controlling network traffic to prevent congestion and optimize performance. In this category, Paessler PRTG Network Monitor is a comprehensive tool that provides real-time bandwidth utilization monitoring, traffic analysis, and traffic shaping capabilities (PRTG Network Monitor, 2023). Its intuitive dashboards allow administrators to identify bandwidth-hogging devices and applications quickly.

Alternatively, NetBalancer offers detailed bandwidth control by allowing granular bandwidth limits and priority settings for individual applications and processes. NetBalancer’s focus on detailed application-level control makes it highly effective for environments requiring precise bandwidth allocation (NetBalancer, 2023).

When comparing these tools, PRTG provides a broader view suitable for monitoring entire networks, making it ideal for overall traffic analysis. Conversely, NetBalancer is better suited for environments necessitating detailed control at the application level. The best tool varies depending on organizational priorities—broad monitoring versus granular control—yet both serve essential functions in bandwidth management.

Asset Management Tools

Asset management tools catalog, track, and maintain hardware and software assets within a network. Lansweeper is a prominent asset management tool that automatically discovers devices on the network and provides detailed inventories, including hardware specifications and software versions (Lansweeper, 2022).

Compared to SolarWinds Service Desk, which offers asset management integrated with IT service management (ITSM), Lansweeper focuses specifically on inventory and asset tracking. SolarWinds Service Desk extends its capabilities to include incident management and change tracking, providing a more comprehensive IT asset lifecycle management (SolarWinds, 2022).

While Lansweeper excels at detailed asset discovery, SolarWinds Service Desk adds workflow features and integration with service processes. For organizations prioritizing detailed hardware/software inventories, Lansweeper is ideal. Those seeking integrated service management may prefer SolarWinds Service Desk. Nonetheless, both tools are valuable for asset management, with overlapping functionalities enhancing versatility.

Can One Tool Manage Multiple Areas?

Many modern network management tools incorporate functionalities across multiple areas. For example, SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor not only tracks network health but also includes bandwidth monitoring and asset discovery features. This convergence allows for streamlined management with reduced tool proliferation (SolarWinds, 2023).

However, the effectiveness of such multifunctional tools depends on specific organizational needs. While integrated tools offer convenience, specialization may be necessary for highly complex networks requiring granular control in each domain. Therefore, though one tool can manage multiple areas, the choice depends on balancing comprehensiveness and depth of management functionalities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, network management tools are vital for maintaining secure, efficient, and compliant networks. Cisco’s NPS and SolarWinds NCM stand out in policy compliance management, while PRTG and NetBalancer exemplify bandwidth management tools suited for different operational needs. Lansweeper and SolarWinds Service Desk dominate in asset management, each with unique strengths. Multifunctional tools like SolarWinds’ offerings can streamline management processes, but organizations must evaluate whether the depth of features meets their complex requirements. Ultimately, selecting appropriate tools tailored to organizational priorities ensures robust and effective network management.

References

  • Cisco. (2021). Cisco Network Policy Server. Retrieved from https://www.cisco.com
  • Lansweeper. (2022). Network Asset Discovery & Inventory. Retrieved from https://www.lansweeper.com
  • NetBalancer. (2023). Application traffic control & bandwidth management. Retrieved from https://www.serelite.com
  • PRTG Network Monitor. (2023). Network traffic analysis & monitoring. Paessler AG. Retrieved from https://www.paessler.com
  • SolarWinds. (2022). Network Configuration Manager (NCM). SolarWinds. Retrieved from https://www.solarwinds.com
  • SolarWinds. (2022). SolarWinds Service Desk. Retrieved from https://www.solarwinds.com/service-desk
  • SolarWinds. (2023). Network Performance Monitor overview. SolarWinds. Retrieved from https://www.solarwinds.com

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