For businesses with multiple sites, a well-managed network ensures smooth communication between locations, enables efficient resource sharing, and provides a solid foundation for critical business applications. It's also key to maintaining consistent performance, security, and user experience across all sites.
Without proper network management, multi-location businesses often face issues like inconsistent performance, increased security vulnerabilities, and inefficient use of network resources. By implementing robust network management practices, businesses can tackle these challenges head-on and ensure their network infrastructure supports – rather than hinders – their operations.
Let's explore how network management works and why it should matter for your business.
What Is Network Management?
Network management encompasses the processes, techniques, and tools used to administer, operate, and maintain computer networks. It involves overseeing all aspects of a network, including hardware components, software systems, connectivity, security measures, and performance optimization. The goal is to keep these network resources accessible to users as efficiently and securely as possible.
Effective network management is particularly important for multi-location businesses. It ensures consistent performance across all sites, facilitates secure data transfer between locations, and enables centralized control over the entire network infrastructure.
What Is a Network Management System?
A network management system (NMS) serves as a central platform for overseeing all network components and activities, providing real-time insights into network performance, security, and resource utilization. This level of oversight is crucial, especially considering that 45% of IT professionals say they don't fully know their network configuration.1
Network management systems typically include features such as:
- Network discovery and mapping
- Performance monitoring and reporting
- Fault detection and troubleshooting
- Configuration management
- Security management
- Bandwidth analysis and capacity planning
By consolidating network management tasks into a single interface, an NMS enables IT teams to efficiently manage large, complex networks that may span multiple locations. The two primary types of network management systems include:
Cloud-Based
Cloud-based network management systems are hosted on remote servers and accessed via the internet. They're typically offered as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) products, with the provider handling maintenance, updates, and infrastructure management.
These systems are commonly found in small to medium-sized businesses, startups, and companies with distributed networks across multiple locations. They're particularly popular among companies with limited IT resources or those seeking to reduce their on-site infrastructure footprint.
Cloud-based NMS solutions can easily adapt to accommodate new network devices, locations, or increased data volumes as your organization grows – without needing significant hardware investments or complex reconfiguration. And because they can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, they enable real-time monitoring and management of network resources regardless of where your IT teams are physically located.
On-Premises
An on-premises network management system is installed and operated within an organization's infrastructure. The company is responsible for maintaining the system's hardware, software, and security.
One of the biggest advantages of on-premises NMS is the level of control it provides. Your IT teams would have complete authority over the network management infrastructure, which allows them to ensure sensitive network data never leaves your organization's premises.
On-premises solutions also offer the potential for deeper customization. Since your network administrators have direct access to the NMS software and hardware, they can tailor the system to meet specific needs that may not be easily addressed by standardized cloud solutions.
How Does Network Management Work?
Network management software collects data from connected network devices, such as end-user devices, switches, and routers, to provide IT teams with insights into the health of the network. This process includes:
Network Discovery
The first step in network management is identifying and cataloging all devices and connections within the network. This involves scanning the network to detect all endpoint devices, identifying device types, IP addresses, and other relevant information, and creating a visual map of the network topology.
Data Collection
Once the network management system identifies the network components, it continuously collects data from these devices. The collected data includes information on device status, traffic patterns, bandwidth usage, error rates, and other performance metrics.
Analysis and Alerting
The network management system then analyzes the collected data to identify trends, anomalies, and potential issues. Advanced solutions use AI and machine learning to detect patterns that might indicate problems or security threats.
When the NMS detects an issue, it generates alerts to notify network administrators. IT teams can customize these alerts based on severity and have them delivered through various channels, including email, SMS, and dashboard notifications.
Automation
Many modern NMS solutions incorporate network automation capabilities to streamline network management tasks. This can include:
- Automatic device configuration management
- Scheduled software updates and patches
- Automated responses to common issues, such as rebooting a device or rerouting traffic
These network automation features can help IT teams reduce manual workload and improve response times to network issues.
Reporting
Network management systems also provide detailed reports of network performance and status. These help administrators assess overall network health, identify bottlenecks and performance issues, plan for capacity upgrades, and display compliance with service level agreements (SLAs).
Common Network Management Tasks
Network management includes a wide range of tasks that are crucial for maintaining a healthy, efficient IT infrastructure. Some of the most common network management tasks include:
Network Provisioning
Network provisioning involves setting up and configuring network resources to support various services and users. This begins with allocating bandwidth and network capacity to ensure that all parts of the network have the necessary resources to function optimally. Administrators must carefully assess the needs of different departments or locations and distribute network capacity accordingly.
The provisioning process also includes configuring new devices and connections as the network expands or evolves. This might involve setting up new routers, switches, or access points and ensuring they integrate with the existing infrastructure.
Network Access Controls
Implementing and managing network access controls is a fundamental task in maintaining network security and compliance. This process starts with setting up user authentication and authorization systems, firewalls, and intrusion prevention systems. In many cases, network administrators also deploy virtual private networks (VPNs) to secure remote access for off-site employees or branch offices.
Managing access policies for different user groups and devices across an organization is an ongoing task, requiring regular reviews and updates to ensure access rights align with current business needs and security requirements.
Network Maintenance
Regular maintenance helps prevent system issues and ensures optimal network performance. This involves cleaning and organizing infrastructure components such as cables, racks, and cooling systems. Replacing aging hardware components is another key aspect of maintenance. As network devices reach the end of their life cycle, they become more prone to failure and may not support the latest security features.
Network Security
A reported 2,365 cyber attacks occurred in 2023.2 Protecting the network from threats starts with implementing and regularly updating security policies that govern how network resources are accessed and used. These policies must cover everything from password requirements to data handling procedures.
Monitoring suspicious activities and potential breaches is a 24/7 task, often aided by advanced security information and event management (SIEM) systems. When potential threats are detected, rapid response and mitigation can minimize damage. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing help IT teams identify weaknesses in the network before attackers can exploit them.
Software Updates and Patch Management
Keeping network devices and software updated is essential for maintaining security. This task begins with identifying devices and software that require updates, which involves maintaining an accurate inventory of all network components and their current versions. Regular checks against vendor notifications and security advisories help ensure that no critical updates are missed.
Before deploying updates across the network, admins test patches in a controlled environment to identify any issues that could disrupt network operations. Once testing is complete, administrators schedule and implement updates across the network, often during off-peak hours, to minimize disruption. Monitoring systems continuously after updates are applied is necessary for catching any unforeseen problems that may arise post-update.
Network Performance Monitoring
Monitoring network performance can help IT teams detect issues before they impact users. This typically involves tracking metrics such as bandwidth usage and network latency across all segments of the network. By establishing baselines and monitoring trends, administrators can quickly spot anomalies that may indicate emerging problems.
Monitoring application performance across the network is another critical aspect of this task. This involves ensuring business-critical applications are performing optimally for all users, regardless of their location. Admins must work to identify and address bottlenecks when performance issues are identified, which might involve reconfiguring network paths, upgrading hardware, or optimizing application code.
IP Address Management
Effective IP address management involves allocating and tracking IP addresses across the network, ensuring that each device has a unique identifier and that address conflicts are avoided. As networks grow, administrators must carefully manage the available IP address space to prevent exhaustion.
Managing DHCP and DNS services is another key aspect of IP address management. These services automate the assignment of IP addresses and the resolution of domain names, respectively, making them critical for smooth network operations.
Planning and implementing IP address schemes for new network segments requires careful consideration of current and future needs. Efficient use of available IP address space is increasingly important, especially as organizations transition to IPv6 to accommodate the growing number of connected devices.
What Is a Network Management Protocol?
A network management protocol is a standardized method of communication between network devices and the network management software. These protocols define how information is exchanged, allowing for efficient monitoring, configuration, and control of network components.
The most popular network management protocols include:
- Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP): SNMP allows devices to send status updates and performance metrics to the NMS and enables the NMS to send commands to devices.
- Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP): While primarily used for diagnostics, ICMP plays a role in network management by facilitating ping tests and traceroute operations.
- Streaming Telemetry: This modern approach involves devices continuously streaming real-time data to the NMS, providing more detailed and timely information compared to traditional polling methods.
These protocols form the foundation of network management, enabling seamless communication between diverse network resources and management systems.
Top 5 Benefits of Network Management
Implementing robust network management practices offers numerous benefits, especially for multi-location businesses. Here are the top five advantages:
1. Improves Network Visibility
Network management provides a clear, real-time view of the entire IT infrastructure – a must, with 57% of network administrators citing a lack of visibility as the top challenge caused by their current network monitoring tools.3 This improved visibility allows organizations to quickly identify and locate issues across all locations, whether it's a failing router in a branch office or a bandwidth bottleneck at headquarters.
Another perk of improved visibility is gaining a better understanding of network usage patterns and trends. These insights help IT teams make informed decisions about network upgrades and expansions to ensure resources are allocated where they're needed most.
2. Minimizes Downtime
Effective network management reduces the risk of network outages and minimizes downtime when issues do occur. This is achieved through proactive monitoring and early problem detection, often leveraging advanced analytics and machine learning to identify potential issues before they cause disruptions. Automated alerts notify administrators of potential problems, allowing for rapid response and resolution.
When issues do arise, network management tools enable faster troubleshooting and problem resolution. With detailed information about network performance metrics at their fingertips, administrators can quickly pinpoint the source of problems and implement solutions.
3. Optimizes Performance
Network management technologies help optimize network performance by identifying and addressing bottlenecks before they can impact users. This might involve rerouting network traffic, upgrading hardware, or fine-tuning configurations to ensure smooth data flow. By balancing network load across available resources, organizations can make the most efficient use of their infrastructure, preventing any single component from becoming overwhelmed.
Continuous monitoring and fine-tuning of network configurations allow administrators to adapt to changing usage patterns and maintain optimal performance over time. For multi-location businesses, this ensures all sites experience consistent, high-quality network service, supporting seamless operations across the organization.
4. Strengthens Security
Network management plays a crucial role in enhancing network security, starting with the implementation of security policies across all locations. These policies govern everything from access controls to data handling procedures, ensuring a consistent security posture across the organization. Regular updates to these policies help address new and emerging threats.
Network management tools can continuously monitor for and quickly respond to security threats. Advanced solutions can detect unusual patterns that might indicate a security breach, as well as ensure all network devices have had the latest security patches installed.
5. Boosts Productivity
Effective network management contributes to increased productivity across the organization by ensuring a stable, efficient, and secure network environment. With so much daily work dependent on network connectivity, reduced network disruptions mean employees can work without interruption.
More efficient network operations through centralized management also free up IT staff to focus on completing strategic initiatives rather than maintenance tasks. And with network administrators spending nearly 50% of their time putting out IT fires in 2023,1 these productivity gains can translate into significantly improved bottom-line results.
Solve Your Network Management Problems With TailWind
A well-managed network is crucial for smooth business operations. However, many organizations struggle to manage their networks effectively, often lacking the specialized expertise or time required to oversee all aspects of their network. This strain on internal resources can ultimately hinder the organization's ability to leverage its network for competitive advantage.
At TailWind, we offer a complete suite of network management services to meet the unique needs of businesses like yours. Our NOCaaS solution delivers ongoing support from our North American network of highly vetted experts who oversee network performance and troubleshoot issues. Plus, we hold ourselves to the highest standards when it comes to preserving your network, so your IT managers won’t have to carry the weight of your network operations on their shoulders.
Ready to get started with a network management solution that scales with your growing business? Reach out to the TailWind team today.
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