Network+ Guide to Networks, 5th Edition
Chapter 15
Network Management
At a Glance
Instructor’s Manual Table of Contents

Overview

Objectives

Teaching Tips

Quick Quizzes

Class Discussion Topics

Additional Projects

Additional Resources

Key Terms
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Lecture Notes
Overview
In this book, the students have learned the technologies and techniques necessary to design an
efficient, fault tolerant, and secure network. However, their work is not finished once all the
clients, servers, switches, routers, and gateways have been installed. After a network is in place,
it requires continual review and adjustment. A network, like any other complex system, is in a
constant state of flux. Whether the changes are caused by internal factors, such as increased
demand on the server’s processor, or external factors, such as the obsolescence of a router, the
student should count on spending a significant amount of time investigating, performing, and
verifying changes to the network. In this chapter, the student will learn about changes dictated
by immediate needs as well as those required to enhance the network’s functionality, growth,
performance, or security. The student will also learn how best to implement those changes.
Chapter Objectives
After reading this chapter and completing the exercises, the student will be able to:
 Understand network management and the importance of documentation, baseline
measurements, policies, and regulations to assess and maintain a network’s health
 Manage a network’s performance using SNMP-based network management software,
system and event logs, and traffic-shaping techniques
 Identify the reasons for and elements of an asset management system
 Plan and follow regular hardware and software maintenance routines
Teaching Tips
Fundamentals of Network Management
1. Define and describe the term network management.
2. Explain the scope of network management.
a. Note that the scope of network management techniques differs according to the
network’s size and importance.
3. Point out that several disciplines fall under the heading of network management.
a. Emphasize that all disciplines share the goal of enhancing efficiency and
performance while preventing costly downtime or loss.
4. Explain that ideally, network management accomplishes its goals by helping the
administrator predict problems before they occur.
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5. Point out that before a network professional can assess and make predictions about a
network’s health, however, they must measure and understand the networks logical and
physical structure and understand how it functions under typical conditions.
Documentation
1. Explain that there are many different types of network documentation.
2. Describe the documentation that should be implemented for sound network
management.
3. Define the term configuration management.
4. Explain why documenting all aspects of a network promises to save work in the future.
5. Define and explain the term network diagram.
6. Explain how understanding conventions for network documentation can make a
network professional’s task easier.
a. Point out that the diagrams use icons standardized or made popular by Cisco.
7. Use Figure 15-1 to illustrate a network diagram using Cisco symbols.
8. Point out that network diagrams provide broad snapshots of a network’s physical or
logical topology.
9. Define and describe a wiring schematic.
10. Use Figure 15-2 to illustrate a wiring schematic.
Teaching
Tip
Students may download packages of Cisco networking icons at
http://www.cisco.com/web/about/ac50/ac47/2.html.
Baseline Measurements
1. Define and explain the term baseline.
2. Explain what might be included in baseline measurements.
3. Use Figure 15-3 to illustrate an example baseline for daily network traffic over a sixweek period.
4. Note that baseline measurements allow a network professional to compare future
performance increases or decreases caused by network changes or events with past
network performance.
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5. Point out that the more data gathered while establishing a network’s baseline, the more
accurate a prediction will be.
6. Describe why network traffic patterns might be difficult to forecast.
7. Explain how a network professional gathers baseline data on the network.
Policies, Procedures, and Regulations
1. Explain why an organization should follow rules.
2. Describe internal policies, procedures, and regulations that make for sound network
management.
3. Point out that state and federal regulations need to be addressed.
a. Describe the CALEA (Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act).
b. Describe the HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).
4. Emphasize that many of the policies and procedures mentioned in this section are not
laws, but best practices aimed at preventing network problems before they occur.
Fault and Performance Management
1. Point out that after documenting every aspect of a network and following policies and
best practices, the network’s status may be assessed on an ongoing basis.
2. Define the term performance management.
3. Define the term fault management.
Network Management Software
1. Explain why organizations often use enterprise-wide network management software.
2. Point out that there are many network management software applications.
Teaching
Tip
Some popular applications include IBM’s Tivoli NetView and Cisco’s
CiscoWorks. Navigate to each product’s Web page to illustrate the products
capabilities.
IBM Tivoli: http://www-01.ibm.com/software/tivoli/products/netview
CiscoWorks: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/sw/cscowork/ps1008
3. Define the term polling.
4. Define the term agent.
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5. Describe the objects that may be managed.
6. Explain what is contained in a MIB (Management Information Base).
7. Explain how agents use SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol).
8. Use Figure 15-4 to illustrate the relationship between a network management
application and managed devices on a network.
9. Point out that a network management application can present an administrator with
several ways to view and analyze the data.
10. Use Figure 15-5 to illustrate a map showing network status.
11. Explain the benefit and drawback of network management applications.
12. Explain why it is important to collect only useful data and not an excessive amount of
routine information.
13. Describe one of the most common network management tools used on WANs.
14. Use Figure 15-6 to illustrate graphs generated by MRTG.
Teaching
Tip
Navigate to the MRTG (Multi Router Traffic Grapher) Web site at
http://oss.oetiker.ch/mrtg to demonstrate capabilities of the product.
System and Event Logs
1. Explain how virtually every condition recognized by an operating system can be
recorded on a computer.
2. Introduce the Windows-based system event log.
3. Introduce the Windows-based system Event Viewer.
4. Use Figure 15-7 to illustrate an example of data collected in the event log on a
workstation running the Windows Vista operating system.
5. Define and describe the UNIX and Linux system log.
6. Point out that most UNIX and Linux operating systems provide a GUI application for
easily viewing and filtering the information in syslog files.
7. Explain why using these logs for fault management requires thoughtful data filtering
and sorting.
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Teaching
Tip
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Demonstrate to the class where the event logs can be found on a Windows-based
system. Open the logs to see the recorded information.
Traffic Shaping
1. Define and describe the term traffic shaping.
a. Include an explanation of traffic shaping goals.
2. Describe the techniques used in traffic shaping.
a. Define and explain the term traffic policing.
3. Use Figure 15-8 to illustrate how traffic volume might appear on an interface without
limits compared to an interface subject to traffic policing.
4. Describe the controversial example of traffic shaping that became known in 2007 with
Comcast.
5. Define and explain traffic prioritization.
Caching
1. Define and explain the term caching.
2. Define and explain web caching.
3. Explain how caching benefits an ISP.
a. Include an explanation of a cache engine.
Quick Quiz 1
1. True or False: The scope of network management techniques differs according to the
network’s size and importance.
Answer: True
2. Because of its status in the networking world and the volume of networking hardware it
sells, ____________________ has set trends for network diagramming.
Answer: Cisco
3. In addition to internal policies, a network manager must consider ____ regulations that
might affect her responsibilities.
a. state
b. federal
c. state and federal
d. local
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Answer: C
4. IBM’s Tivoli NetView and Cisco’s CiscoWorks are examples of network management
____.
a. hardware
b. software
c. policies
d. upgrades
Answer: B
5. True or False: Much of the information collected in event logs and syslog files does not
point to a problem, even if it is marked with a warning.
Answer: True
Asset Management
1. Define and explain the concept of asset management.
2. Review the first step of inventory management.
3. Explain that the asset management tool selected depends on an organization’s needs.
4. Describe the benefits of asset management.
Change Management
1. Explain why managing change while maintaining a network’s efficiency and
availability requires good planning.
2. Introduce change management and techniques for approaching the most common types
of software and hardware changes, from installing patches to replacing a network
backbone.
Software Changes
1. Point out that an important part of keeping a system running optimally is upgrading its
software.
2. Describe the common software change types.
3. Review the general steps involved in implementing software changes on a network.
4. Emphasize that generally, upgrading or patching software according to a vendor’s
recommendations is a good idea and can often prevent network problems.
5. Define and explain the term patch.
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a. Describe how they may be distributed.
b. Describe how patches are installed.
c. Explain how to stay appraised of patches.
6. Define and explain client upgrades.
a. Emphasize the importance of reading all documentation before applying the
upgrade.
b. Note that the upgrade may be completely transparent to the user or offer a new
appearance.
c. Describe the pre- and post-installation steps.
7. Define and describe shared application upgrades.
a. Emphasize that these software upgrades affect all users at once.
b. Point out that these upgrades use the same principles as other upgrades.
c. Note that because these upgrades tend to enhance functionality, one must weigh
the time, cost and effort involved with the true need for the new functionality.
d. Note that training may be required for significant changes.
8. Define and describe network operating system upgrades.
a. Point out that this is one most critical type of software upgrades a network
professional will perform.
b. Emphasize that this type of upgrade involves significant, potentially drastic,
changes to the way servers and clients operate.
c. Note that this type of upgrade requires plenty of forethought, product research,
and rigorous testing before being implemented.
d. Review with the class, the significant questions that should be asked and
answered before this upgrade.
e. Reemphasize that this type of upgrade is a complex and far-reaching change,
noting that it should not be undertaken with severe budgetary, resource, or time
constraints.
f. Review steps to undertake when planning an NOS upgrade.
Reversing a Software Upgrade
1. Explain that if the software upgrade creates problems in an existing system, a network
professional should be prepared to reverse the process.
2. Define the term backleveling.
3. Emphasize that the steps that constitute backleveling differ, depending on the
complexity of the upgrade and the network environment involved.
4. Use Table 15-1 to summarize some basic techniques to reverse a software upgrade.
5. Note that a network professional should always refer to the software vendor’s
documentation to reverse an upgrade.
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6. Emphasize that for backleveling a network operating system upgrade, a network
professional should also consult with experienced professionals about the best approach
for the network environment.
Hardware and Physical Plant Changes
1. Explain why hardware and physical plant changes might occur.
2. Note that the same issues apply to hardware changes as apply to software changes.
3. Review the eleven steps to consider when considering a change to network hardware.
4. Discuss the difficulty involved in adding or upgrading hardware on a network.
a. Explain how a great deal depends upon whether an organization or the network
professional has used the hardware in the past.
b. Note the special steps that may need to be taken due to hardware changing so
rapidly.
c. Explain the different types of preparation that may need to be taken for the
various network device types.
 Networked workstation
 Networked printer
 Hub or access point
 Server
 Switches and routers
d. Emphasize that the most disruptive and complex hardware to add or upgrade is
also the most difficult to remove or backlevel.
e. Point out that keeping safety in mind when upgrading or installing hardware on
a network is important.
5. Discuss the difficulty involved in cabling upgrades on a network.
a. Point out that cabling upgrade can require significant planning and time to
implement, depending on the size of the network.
b. Remind students that troubleshooting cabling problems is easier with current
and accurate wiring schematics.
c. Emphasize that the best way to ensure that future upgrades go smoothly is to
document existing cable before making any upgrades.
d. Explain why it is best to consider upgrading the network cabling in phases.
e. Discuss why it is important to weigh the importance of the upgrade against its
potential for disruption.
f. Describe how large and small organizations approach cabling upgrades.
6. Discuss the difficulty involved in network backbone upgrades.
a. Emphasize that this is one of the most comprehensive and complex upgrade
types.
b. Describe the requirements that need to be in place before upgrading the
backbone.
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7. Discuss the need to provide a way to reverse the hardware change if something should
go wrong.
a. Point out that if the hardware upgrade is for a faulty device, then there is no
possible reinstallation.
b. Discuss how old components should be stored in case they are needed to reverse
the hardware change.
Quick Quiz 2
1. True or False: The first step in asset management is to take an inventory of each node
on the network.
Answer: True
2. A patch is a form of a(n) ____ change.
a. hardware
b. software
c. monitoring
d. asset
Answer: B
3. ____________________ upgrades affect all users at once.
Answer: Shared application
4. The most critical type of software upgrade a network professional will perform is an
upgrade to the ____________________.
Answer: NOS (network operating system), network operating system, NOS
5. If you are replacing a(n) ____ hardware component or device, restoration is not possible
a. faulty
b. live
c. important
d. critical
Answer: A
Class Discussion Topics
1. Documenting a network is essential in troubleshooting and support. Discuss the security
implications in keeping such documentation.
How should an organization balance access to the documentation against protecting the
network from intentional hacking, compromise or damage?
2. As a class, discuss how long an upgraded hardware and software components should be
stored in case there is a need to back out and reinstall. What considerations should be
taken into account when determining the appropriate time to discard old or upgrade
equipment?
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Additional Projects
1. Have the student research network diagramming products on the market and write a
report of their findings. The research should include three products and a comparison of
the technical specifications, ease of use (if available), price, availability, and product
ratings (if available).
Additional Resources
1. Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA)
http://www.fcc.gov/calea/
2. HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)
http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/health-plans/portability.htm
3. Cisco support page
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/support/index.html
4. Cisco PIX Firewall System Log Messages
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/security/pix/pix44/system/message/pixemint.html
5. Microsoft Help and Support
http://support.microsoft.com/
Key Terms
 agent - A software routine that collects data about a managed device’s operation and
provides it to the network management application running on the console.
 asset management - The process of identifying and tracking an organization’s assets,
such as hardware and software.
 backleveling - The process of reverting to a previous version of a software application
after attempting to upgrade it.
 bug - A flaw in software or hardware that causes it to malfunction.
 cache engine - A network device devoted to storage and delivery of frequently
requested files.
 caching - The local storage of frequently needed files that would otherwise be obtained
from an external source.
 CALEA (Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act) - A United States
federal regulation that requires telecommunications carriers and equipment
manufacturers to provide for surveillance capabilities. CALEA was passed by Congress
in 1994 after pressure from the FBI, which worried that networks relying solely on
digital communications would circumvent traditional wiretapping strategies.
 Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act - See CALEA.
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 configuration management - The collection, storage, and assessment of information
related to the versions of software installed on every network device and every device’s
hardware configuration.
 event log - The service on Windows-based operating systems that records events, or the
ongoing record of such events.
 Event Viewer - A GUI application that allows users to easily view and sort events
recorded in the event log on a computer running a Windows-based operating system.
 fault management - The detection and signaling of device, link, or component faults.
 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act - See HIPAA.
 HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) - A federal
regulation in the United States, enacted in 1996. One aspect of this regulation addresses
the security and privacy of medical records, including those stored or transmitted
electronically.
 Management Information Base - See MIB.
 MIB (Management Information Base) - A database used in network management that
contains a device’s definitions of managed objects and their data.
 MRTG (Multi Router Traffic Grapher) - A command-line utility that uses SNMP to
poll devices, collects data in a log file, and then generates HTML-based views of the
data. MRTG is freely distributed software originally written by Tobias Oetiker, a
networking professional who in the early 1990s saw a need for a tool to regularly
measure the status of his organization’s WAN link.
 Multi Router Traffic Grapher - See MRTG.
 network diagram - A graphical representation of a network’s devices and connections.
 network management - The assessment, monitoring, and maintenance of the devices
and connections on a network.
 patch - A correction, improvement, or enhancement to part of a software application,
often distributed at no charge by software vendors to fix a bug in their code or to add
slightly more functionality.
 performance management - The ongoing assessment of how well network links,
devices, and components keep up with demands on them.
 polling - A network management application’s regular collection of data from managed
devices.
 service pack - A significant patch to one of the Microsoft Windows operating systems.
 Simple Network Management Protocol - See SNMP.
 SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) - An Application layer protocol in
the TCP/IP suite used to convey data regarding the status of managed devices on a
network.
 system log - On a computer running a UNIX or Linux operating system, the record of
monitored events, which can range in priority from 0 to 7 (where “0” indicates an
emergency situation and “7” simply points to information that might help in debugging
a problem). You can view and modify system log locations and configurations in the
file /etc/syslog.conf file on most systems (on some systems this is the
/etc/rsyslog. conf file).
 traffic policing - A traffic-shaping technique in which the volume or rate of traffic
traversing an interface is limited to a predefined maximum.
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 traffic shaping - Manipulating certain characteristics of packets, data streams, or
connections to manage the type and amount of traffic traversing a network or interface
at any moment.
 upgrade - A major change to the existing code in a software application, which may or
may not be offered free from a vendor, and may or may not be comprehensive enough
to substitute for the original application.
 Web caching - A technique in which Web pages are stored locally, either on a host or
network, and then delivered to requesters more quickly than if they had been obtained
from the original source.
 wiring schematic - A graphical representation of a network’s wired infrastructure.