network management

    The process of controlling a network so as to
   maximise its efficiency and productivity.  ISO's model
   divides network management into five categories: fault
   management, accounting management, configuration
   management, security management and performance
   management.

   Fault management is the process of identifying and locating
   faults in the network.  This could include discovering the
   existence of the problem, identifying the source, and possibly
   repairing (or at least isolating the rest of the network from)
   the problem.

   Configuration management is the process of identifying,
   tracking and modifying the setup of devices on the network.
   This category is extremely important for devices that come
   with numerous custom settings (e.g. routers and file
   servers).

   Security management is the process of controlling (granting,
   limiting, restricting or denying) access to the network and
   resources thereon.  This could include setting up and managing
   access lists in routers (creating "firewalls" to keep
   intruders out), creating and maintaining password access to
   critical network resources, identifying the points of entry
   used by intruders and closing them.

   Performance Management is the process of measuring the
   performance of various network components.  This also includes
   taking measures to optimise the network for maximum system
   performance (periodically measuring of the use of network
   resources).

   Usenet newsgroup: <news:comp.dcom.net-management>.

   ["Network Management: A Practical Perspective", Allan Leinwand
   and Karen Fang].

   (1994-11-18)