A network management system (NMS) collects data used to measure the health of a network. The data is collected from network elements like routers, switches, and access points, and endpoint devices like computers and smartphones.

NMSs are the unsung heroes that work behind the scenes ensuring everything runs smoothly. They help you navigate large networks and to manage complex issues.

An NMS is vital for visibility, security, performance, and scalability in enterprise networks. They are the backbone that supports your digital infrastructure, enabling you to focus on what you do best.

Attributes of a good network management system

Network monitoring functionality

Network management systems are crucial for network monitoring. They watch networking components like routers, switches, firewalls, servers, and VMs in real time to pick faults and performance issues.

For instance, if a router is experiencing high latency, the NMS can alert the IT team before end-users notice. This proactive approach helps you avoid downtime and optimize network availability.

One of the key tasks of a network management system is to set up and configure network devices. Most network devices, like routers and switches, support SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol). 

By enabling SNMP, you can efficiently monitor device performance and configurations remotely. This is especially helpful when managing a large number of devices.

Network management systems also allow you to set thresholds for different performance metrics. For example, you can set thresholds for CPU usage on a server. If usage exceeds the set limit, the NMS sends an alert, which helps in identifying and fixing issues before they escalate. 

Imagine a scenario where the CPU temperature on a critical server rises unexpectedly. With the right thresholds set, you get an instant alert and can take immediate action to prevent potential damage.

Cross-platform compatibility

Compatibility with multiple vendors is another essential feature of a robust NMS. In a typical enterprise network, devices from various vendors like Cisco, HP, IBM, and Huawei may coexist. A good network management system supports these multi-vendor environments.

An NMS must also be flexible. It should offer customizable dashboards and widgets that display critical metrics. This allows you to get a quick overview of the network's status. A good NMS must also have functionality for real-time performance graphs. These enable you to troubleshoot problems promptly.

Access control support

An NMS must also enhance security, not hamper it. Role-based access control (RBAC) is a must-have feature that lets you control who has access to what within the network management system. 

RBAC prevents unauthorized access and ensures that only the right people can make critical adjustments to the network, which maintains the integrity and security of the system.

Scalability

As your enterprise grows, so does your network. A scalable NMS can handle increased demands, new devices, and expanded infrastructures without hiccups. For example, deploying multiple probes in different network segments can distribute the monitoring load, ensuring comprehensive coverage.

Using an NMS makes network monitoring efficient, proactive, and robust. It’s about having the right tools to keep the network healthy and the business running smoothly.

Benefits of using a network management system

Streamlines device configuration

An network management system simplifies device configuration and makes it a breeze to update devices. This streamlines operations and ensures consistency across the network.

Enables task scheduling

Good NMSs also offer scheduling capabilities. They let you set the system to run backups or updates during off-peak hours. That way, there’s no need for you to be around when the operation is performed, which reduces downtime and ensures business continuity.

Provides encryption and centralization capability

Whenever you back up configuration files, you don't just save them as flat files. Instead, you encrypt and store them securely. This method not only protects sensitive information but also makes disaster recovery straightforward. 

If a faulty change or a cyberattack messes up your network, you can also quickly overwrite the problematic configuration with a trusted version from the backup.

Enables tracking of changes to network settings

The NMS provides real-time notifications whenever someone makes a configuration change. This helps you maintain a clear audit trail and quickly roll back any unauthorized or unsuccessful changes. You can even restore devices to their previous state, ensuring minimal disruption.

Facilitates security compliance

Compliance is less of a headache with an NMS. For example, PCI compliance requires password updates every six months. With the NMS, you can set reminders and automated scripts to ensure this happens on schedule. Similarly, for SOX compliance, I can automate the process to lock users out after a number of failed login attempts.

In essence, using an NMS for device configuration saves you a lot of time and effort. It automates repetitive tasks, enhances security, and ensures compliance with industry standards. Whether it’s managing configurations, executing complex commands, or ensuring compliance, the NMS makes your life much easier.

Functions of a network management system

Managing policies

Network management systems (NMS) simplify policy management and strengthen network security. These systems help automate repetitive tasks, like configuring routers and switches, and keep your networks running smoothly. By using an NMS, you can gain visibility into your entire network, making it easier to implement and enforce security policies.

For example, Cisco Prime Infrastructure is an NMS that integrates multiple layers of network management into a single platform. It helps you manage security policies by monitoring network devices and tracking compliance. When a device goes out of policy, Prime Infrastructure alerts you immediately. This rapid feedback loop allows you to address issues before they become major problems.

With an NMS, you can also streamline the deployment of new policies. When a new security regulation is introduced, you don't have to manually update each device. Tools like Check Point R80 Security Management allow you to push policy changes across your network with just a few clicks. This saves time and boosts efficiency.

Furthermore, NMS solutions often come with visual dashboards. These dashboards provide real-time insights into network performance and security postures. You can also maintain detailed logs of all policy changes, crucial for audit trails and compliance checks. 

If a configuration error occurs, you can quickly identify the root cause by reviewing the logs. Products like Fortinet's FortiManager enhance this by providing detailed reports and analytics on policy changes and their impacts.

An NMS also helps us manage user access. With user-based policies, you can control who has access to what parts of the network. Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) is a great example. It allows you to create policies based on user roles, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access sensitive resources.

By leveraging these tools, you can achieve better security, efficiency, and compliance in your network management endeavors. Through automation, visibility, and streamlined policy implementation, NMS solutions transform the way you manage network security.

Configuring backups

Backups are a critical part of networking management. Therefore, configuring correctly helps you keep your network running smoothly even if something goes wrong. A network management system (NMS) allows you to automate and streamline this process.

First, you can perform manual backups whenever you need to. This is especially useful before making significant changes to the network configuration. For instance, if you are about to update a router's firmware, you can manually back up its current configuration. If something goes wrong during the update, you can quickly restore the previous settings.

One of the most powerful features of an NMS is real-time change detection. If you make a change to a firewall configuration but forget to back it up, the NMS detects this change immediately and triggers a backup. This syslog-based backup ensures you don't lose any critical updates you make before logging out of the device.

An NMS also enables the scheduling of backups. Manually triggering backups for every device is time-consuming and prone to errors. With scheduled backups, you can set routines for devices that frequently undergo configuration changes. 

For example, if you have a switch that gets updated daily, you schedule an automatic backup for it every night, ensuring that all changes are saved without you having to lift a finger.

Using an NMS, you can also upload configurations into devices. If a network outage happens, restoring the network is as simple as uploading the most stable configuration. For instance, many NMS admin tools allow users to upload configurations to multiple devices simultaneously, speeding up the recovery process.

Lastly, you can back up configurations in bulk whenever needed. In scenarios where you are deploying a new network setup or making widespread changes, bulk backups ensure that every device's configuration is saved. This way, you have all versions stored incrementally, providing a safety net for any configuration changes.

Security management

An NMS simplifies and centralizes network security operations. It serves as a control center where you can see everything that's happening in real-time. For example, if there's an unusual amount of data coming from a specific device, the NMS will alert you right away. 

One of the biggest security benefits of using an NMS is the ability to automate security protocols. I set up rules that trigger automatic responses to certain events. If, for example, an unauthorized device tries to connect to your network, the NMS can automatically block that device and send you an alert. This kind of automation saves time and reduces the risk of human error.

Another great feature is the comprehensive logging and reporting. The NMS keeps track of all network activity and generates detailed reports. This is crucial for compliance with FIPS, HIPAA, GDPR, and other cybersecurity and data privacy standards and laws. For instance, you can quickly pull up reports on firewall activity or user access logs when it's time for an audit.

The NMS also makes it easier to manage software updates and patches. Since FIPS compliance, in particular, requires that you use updated, secure software, the NMS helps ensure that all devices on the network are running the latest versions. You don’t have to manually check each device; the system does it for you and even schedules updates during off-peak hours to minimize disruption.

The ability to integrate with other security tools is another excellent attribute of NMSs. A typical modern enterprise uses a variety of security measures, like intrusion detection systems and antivirus software. The NMS brings all these tools together into one interface. 

If an intrusion detection system flags suspicious activity, the NMS will correlate that with data from other tools to give you a complete picture of what's going on.

Therefore, your network management system is the backbone of your security management strategy. It's like having an extra set of eyes and hands dedicated to keeping your network secure, 24/7. This level of control and visibility is essential for maintaining security compliance and ensuring that your company's data stays safe.

Standalone vs integrated vs cloud-based NMS?

Standalone network management system

For many network setups, using a standalone network management system (NMS) is simpler than trying to integrate with an existing system. It allows you to focus on ensuring FIPS compliance from the ground up.

Setting up the standalone NMS is pretty straightforward. You can install it on a dedicated server to minimize any security risks associated with sharing resources. The SolarWinds NMS, for example, can manage multiple network devices efficiently. It allows you to manage your routers, switches, and firewalls across several locations. The centralized dashboard makes it easy to keep an eye on everything from a single point of control.

Additionally, enabling SNMPv3, which includes strong authentication and encryption, aligns well with FIPS compliance requirements. Another useful feature is the real-time alerting system. It notifies you immediately if there’s any suspicious activity or potential breach, allowing you to respond swiftly. 

SolarWinds also boast extensive reporting features. FIPS compliance involves a lot of documentation and reporting, and SolarWinds makes it easy to generate the necessary reports. You can quickly produce logs showing encrypted communication between devices, which is a big help during audits. 

Updating the NMS to ensure continuous compliance is also a breeze. SolarWinds provides regular updates that include the latest security patches and enhancements. This means you are always up-to-date with the current standards without having to manually check for updates.

Integrated NMS

The goal of using an integrated network management system (NMS) is to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. One of the options available is ServiceDesk Plus. 

One of ServiceDesk Plus’ standout integrations is with ManageEngine OpManager. This integration allows you to convert network alarms into tickets in ServiceDesk Plus seamlessly. You can set this up using a simple email trigger or through API level integration.

Say your network experiences an outage. With OpManager integrated, the alarm will automatically generate a ticket in ServiceDesk Plus. This ensures that your IT help desk is immediately notified of the issue. From there, the system can categorize, prioritize, and assign the ticket to the appropriate technician based on predefined conditions. It's like having an extra set of hands managing the network alerts.

Moreover, once the network issue is resolved, the incidents logged in ServiceDesk Plus can be automatically closed. This end-to-end automation minimizes the chances of human error and ensures that the network services are restored promptly.

Cloud-based NMS

A cloud-based network management system (NMS) is for those that prefer a network they can control and monitor from anywhere. Cloud-managed networks leverage modern technologies like big data, AI, and cloud computing, making network management efficient and straightforward.

Take Huawei’s cloud managed network solution as an example. This system uses the CloudCampus platform to manage various network devices such as APs, switches, routers, and firewalls. It’s perfect for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and organizations with multiple branches. You can handle everything from procurement to deployment and even ongoing maintenance from the cloud.

One of the standout features of the Huawei cloud NMS is the multi-tenant network. It includes hundreds of devices deployed at customer sites to provide user access. These devices don’t operate in isolation. They’re all monitored and managed through the cloud management platform. 

This platform isn't just about basic management and configuration. It goes a step further by enabling remote O&M (operation and maintenance), user access control, and even supports various value-added services (VAS). 

For instance, iMaster NCE-CampusInsight is part of this solution. It’s an intelligent network analysis engine that applies AI to O&M, providing insights based on data like device performance and terminal logs.

Another aspect of this cloud-based NMS is its value-added SaaS platform. This platform offers open APIs that allow it to interact with other service systems. That means you can get services like customer flow analysis, business portal page push, and even medical IoT integration. It’s all about enhancing the functionalities and making the network more versatile.

Let's consider the real-world scenario of a healthcare company that needs to digitally transform over 200 hospitals across the country. Traditional network deployment would have required significant time and a large O&M team. 

With Huawei’s Cloud Managed Network Solution, the deployment time per hospital would be reduced to just 3 days, and only two O&M employees would be needed per city. This results in a 45% reduction in initial investment and an 83% cut in O&M expenditure, accelerating service rollout by 300%.

The system also supports advanced protocols like NETCONF and YANG for network management, moving away from older systems like SNMP. For network monitoring, it uses Telemetry and HTTP/2 instead of traditional methods. 

Configuration is also simplified with visually intuitive GUIs, and you can even create custom tools through APIs. This robust system supports over 180 applications across various industries, helping companies expand their services.

One particularly convenient feature is barcode-scanning deployment using a mobile app. For example, using this method, Huawei opened 300 new stores within a year. The tenant administrator can import the device serial numbers into the cloud management platform and plan the service configurations online. 

Once the devices are powered on, installation engineers can connect them to the cloud platform using the app. This makes the entire deployment process incredibly fast and efficient, ensuring the devices are always connected and reporting performance data for easy maintenance.

Cloud-based NMSs simplify network management, making it scalable, flexible, and incredibly efficient. It’s a great solution for modern enterprises looking to keep up with the rapidly changing technology landscape.