Handbook of Local Area Networks, 1998 Edition:LAN Management Click Here! Search the site:   ITLibrary ITKnowledge EXPERT SEARCH Programming Languages Databases Security Web Services Network Services Middleware Components Operating Systems User Interfaces Groupware & Collaboration Content Management Productivity Applications Hardware Fun & Games EarthWeb sites Crossnodes Datamation Developer.com DICE EarthWeb.com EarthWeb Direct ERP Hub Gamelan GoCertify.com HTMLGoodies Intranet Journal IT Knowledge IT Library JavaGoodies JARS JavaScripts.com open source IT RoadCoders Y2K Info Previous Table of Contents Next PLANNING FOR EXPANSION Researchers at Infonetics, a market research firm in San Jose CA, say losses resulting from inadequate planning for network utilization will grow substantially over the next several years as companies undertake more complex application initiatives such as enterprisewide client/server, object-oriented software architectures, and mail-enabled applications. Network analysis and planning is the key to staying ahead of the application bell curve. The right switched management tools can work together to help administrators ensure that an optimal network configuration is reached before problems occur. For example, a tool to comprehensively monitor and troubleshoot virtual network segments collects and analyzes traffic data to helps managers understand how to assign users to logical workgroups (VLANs) based upon typical traffic patterns. This traffic data can also be used to understand where more capacity is required based on link and device utilization statistics. Simulation Tools. Simulation tools can assist network managers with problem-solving, design, and planning activities. These tools let managers study the ramifications of a device failure or network link bottleneck before a production network is implemented. Network planners and engineers can view the logical network topology by protocol or compare an IP network with an IPX network. By visualizing end-to-end paths across a segment, planners can determine if connectivity requirements are met. This helps them understand application requirements and traffic patterns, arriving at an optimum configuration prior to implementing a major new application or data processing strategy. MIGRATING TO ATM Network managers are replacing hubs in their wiring closets with LAN switches, thereby boosting network performance with dedicated bandwidth to the desktop for each user. A similar trend is occurring on the network backbone, where ATM switches are being added to collapsed router backbones to increase the aggregate transport capacity of existing networks. The role of ATM is increasing, as standardized protocols emerge that enable ATM devices to coexist with existing LAN technologies. ATM is showing its potential, however, it adds new dimensions to managing a switched internetwork. Because ATM is connection-oriented, unlike fiber distributed data interface (FDDI), Token Ring, and Ethernet, administrators often need to set up virtual connections, monitor several link statistics, or trace complex point-to-multipoint connections when tracking down information about an ATM network and its users. Legacy tools and applications used to manage shared LANs simply do not suffice. Management tools and protocols are available that address ATM and its unique set of problems. When selecting such a tool, network administrators should look for something that offers advanced management features within the switches themselves. The tool should automatically discover and illustrate the topology of an ATM network, display real-time link information, and facilitates ATM network interrogation and troubleshooting by allowing the selection of any virtual connection on an ATM link and tracing its entire path. Using such a tool, network managers can quickly obtain status information on any ATM port or module with graphical representations. This allows for comprehensive device, link, configuration, and statistics monitoring. ATM network management tools are also helpful to administrators who must monitor, trace, or configure virtual connections across an ATM network. This type of tool provides an intuitive interface for creating permanent virtual connections (PVCs) and permanent virtual paths (PVPs) across the ATM network. This takes the complexity out of creating virtual connections. Administrators simply select the two ATM switch ports that will terminate a desired connection, and the ATM network management tool will invoke the appropriate signaling protocols to set up the PVC or PVP. Because such tools can automatically create a topology map of the physical ATM network, they are extremely useful for troubleshooting. SUMMARY Knowledgeable network managers are replacing or updating their shared-media networks with switched internetworks. The reasons for these changes are the same ones that have always motivated them—increased performance, greater flexibility, and simplified network management. Switched internetworks offer the advantages of today’s routed internetworks, such as scalability, stability, and security, and add more speed, greater bandwidth capacity, and plenty of flexibility for the future. But to fully reap the advantages that such changes to the network infrastructure can bring, a company must also invest in a cohesive set of tools that manage networks consisting of routers, LAN switches, and ATM switching devices in a cost-effective, graphical fashion. Exhibit 7-2-4 shows the typical administration costs associated with managing the network. The benefits of effective switched management tools, which substantially lower these costs, include: •  A reduction in management expenses. •  An increase in administrative productivity. •  Less time spent in the equipment closet and more time at the console directly connected to the virtual network. •  The ability for network administrators to specialize in various design and troubleshooting tasks such as topology management, link management, traffic monitoring, and virtual LAN configuration. •  Improved reliability through effective problem prevention, fast problem resolution, and comprehensive troubleshooting of switched internetworks. Exhibit 7-2-4.  Administration Costs Associated with Managing the Network Previous Table of Contents Next Use of this site is subject certain Terms & Conditions. Copyright (c) 1996-1999 EarthWeb, Inc.. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of EarthWeb is prohibited. 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