What Is Network Management and Why You Should Care

You may have heard the term network management, but what does it mean? And more importantly, why should you care?

In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of network management and outline the steps you can take to improve your network’s performance.

What Is Network Management?

Network management is the term used for the process of managing and maintaining a computer network. This includes configuring and monitoring network devices, managing user accounts and passwords, installing software updates, and troubleshooting issues with the network.

So why is network management critical? According to Tech Target, network management provides visibility into the network giving you the ability to detect if the network is down. Well, if your business relies on computers and networking equipment to function, you must have the plan to manage and maintain that network.

If something goes wrong with the network, it can cause significant disruptions to your business. Network management helps you prevent or fix those disruptions as quickly as possible.

Benefits of Network Management

There are a lot of benefits to implementing a network management system. For starters, network management can help you save time and money. You can avoid costly outages or equipment failures by identifying and troubleshooting problems early on. Network management systems also make it easier to optimize your network for performance and efficiency.

And that’s not all. Implementing a network management system can also help improve security and compliance. By monitoring traffic and identifying unusual activity, you can reduce your risk of a cyber-breach. And by tracking who is accessing which resources and when you can ensure compliance with industry regulations.

Common Network Management Tools

Network management tools are indispensable for successful and efficient network management, so you’ll want to ensure you have some in your arsenal. Standard network management tools include network mapping, automated systems monitoring and controlling networks, traffic flow analysis, bandwidth utilization monitoring and capacity planning.

For example, network mapping allows you to visualize the layout of your network and identify potential problems before they become an issue. Automated systems can help you manage your networks more efficiently and effectively, as they can detect changes in real-time and alert you to any potential issues. Traffic flow analysis can reveal bottlenecks in your system, while bandwidth utilization monitoring helps determine which users use the most resources. Finally, capacity planning helps you decide how much hardware is needed to support the demands of your network.

Steps to Create an Effective Network Management System

As a network manager, you must take proactive steps to ensure your environment runs smoothly. Here are the steps for creating an effective network management system:

1. Establish consistent standards for monitoring and troubleshooting: This includes setting up well-defined processes for identifying and responding to issues quickly.
2. Utilize performance management tools: Make sure you’re using management tools that allow you to track network performance and usage. This can help you identify any weak spots in the system and take corrective action before they become a more significant issue.
3. Update regularly: Stay up-to-date with new devices, technologies, and best practices to maintain a secure and efficient network system.
4. Automation: Automation can help you streamline processes, improve accuracy, and reduce manual labor costs associated with managing your network.

By taking these steps, you’ll be able to manage your network more effectively and keep it running smoothly for years to come!

Challenges With Network Management and How to Overcome Them

Now that you understand what Network Management is and its importance let’s talk about the challenges involved in managing a network.

The main challenge with Network Management is dealing with outdated or malfunctioning hardware or software. Depending on the network, this can lead to system downtime, which can be very costly. To prevent this, you need to regularly monitor your network for potential issues and take steps to address them when they arise.

Another challenge is dealing with security threats and vulnerabilities. Just like with outdated hardware, network security vulnerabilities need to be identified and addressed quickly to reduce the risk of data loss or an attacker accessing sensitive information. This requires constant monitoring of the network and implementing rigorous security measures such as firewalls, antivirus software and regular patches.

The critical thing here is vigilance—keeping an eye on your network and taking precautions to ensure it’s secure and functioning correctly. This may sound intimidating, but investing in the right tools and procedures doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Put in the effort now, and you won’t regret it later!

Concluding Remarks

What do we mean by network management? Network management is organizing, controlling, and optimizing a computer network and its resources. It encompasses planning, designing, installing, operating, monitoring, troubleshooting, and maintaining the network infrastructure.

You may be wondering why network management is essential. After all, most of us use our computers without overthinking the network. But the truth is, a well-functioning network is essential to the smooth operation of your business. Imagine trying to run a company without email or without being able to access the internet or your company’s files. A sound network management system will help you avoid these problems and keep your business running smoothly.

Sentry IT Solutions can help you and your business with Network Management and security today. Contact Us at (866) 573-6879.