Enterprise network management: LAN status monitoring

During the past few years, the study of network management has focused on a single node, e.g., a router or a hub. As network connectivity and heterogeneity grows, there is a need to extend the scope of management from a few nodes to an enterprise environment where there is a number of networks interconnected by switching devices. In this paper, we attempt to provide a configuration, fault, and performance monitoring solution in an enterprise LAN network environment. First, we identify the managed objects which are subject to monitoring. Among the important managed objects are interconnection domains, switching devices, and LAN networks such as Ethernet, token ring and FDDI networks. Then we identify the management functions which can be applied during the monitoring process. Using scenarios, we demonstrate how these management functions can be applied.