TABLE OF CONTENTS Once the wireless LAN is implemented and carrying traffic, the real job has just begun. When a network manager turns up a network, that initiates an ongoing process of maintaining, operating, troubleshooting, and growing the network infrastructure. All too often, networks are viewed as static entities whose configuration is pictured in concise box and line diagrams. The problem is that this puts the focus on the components, not the job. The job of the network is to provide service to users. The overall task of network management is the design and operation of all of the critical support systems needed to provide reliable and cost-effective service on an ongoing basis.
As with many areas in wireless LANs, network management capabilities are still developing, so network administrators will likely have to cobble together a management plan from a number of disparate parts. Some of those capabilities may be found in the control systems for a WLAN switch, while others may be added to existing management systems. It is likely that some additional tools will have to be purchased as well, so those should be considered in the overall project budget.
In this chapter we will begin with a definition of network management, and then look at the different functions that fall in that area including:
Record keeping and administration.
Performance monitoring.
Capacity planning/network expansion.
Troubleshooting and problem isolation.
Security monitoring.
The most important issue to recognize about network management is that it is not a...
