Those in network management function as security, monitoring, control, allocation, deployment, coordination and planning personnel for a businesses network. Network management therefore describes the act of managing all of those roles. There are lot of protocols that exist for the operation of network management and its support including programs such as CMIP, Common Information Model, Java Management Extensions, Netconf, SNMP, Transaction Language 1 and WBEM.
The most important area of network marketing is routing. Routing is the process in which people select a path within a computer network that will be used to send data back and forth between computers. This area of network management focuses on using nodes, or more often they are referred to as routers, to pass logically addressed packets of information from their source to their destination in a process called forwarding. This is typically done through the use of routing tables which keep up a record of the most efficient routes on which to transfer the information.
Another key aspect of network management is security management. The goal of security management is to protect the network from unauthorized access which includes all of the networks sub-functions including the authorization of subscriber access, the distribution of security related events, control of distributing cryptographic keying material and the reporting of security related events.
Both the security and quality aspects of network management are related to configuration management. This is the department that manages security features in a specific business network by controlling any and all changes that are to be made to the software, hardware, firmware, documentation and test features within the businesses system. As the companies network system changes and grows the configuration management team keeps the system under control and is responsible for maintaining both security and quality.
Then there are two main areas of the software configuration management. The first area focuses on storing entities from the software development project, sometimes referred to as the component repository management. The other area is known as engineering support and is focused on producing these entities.
In order to have a successful network management team there also need to be an accounting management. This team focuses on the financial status of the business network by controlling and reporting its functions. Accounting management accomplishes this by doing analysis, planning and controlling the financial data and reporting any managerial decisions. Those involved in accounting management will work with bank account maintenance, developing financial statements and analyzing the businesses cash flow and financial health.
By: Jen Carter
Posts Tagged ‘Security Features’
Online and Computer Security Advice – Protecting Your Home Wireless Network
October 16th, 2009
One issue you have to address if you choose to install a wireless system in your home is that of security. You want to make at least some effort to make it harder for others to access your computer network, especially those who may want to attack your computer or steal your personal information. You can reduce these risks if you use the available security features that are built into a typical wireless system.
Performing any of the following steps will help you maintain your privacy when using a wireless network, and performing all of the steps will help even more.
* Change the router’s user name and password: Use something other than the default user name and password in order to make it harder for a hacker to access your system.
* Control access with a user name and password: Most wireless routers have a mechanism called identifier broadcasting. It sends out a service set identifier (SSID) signal or an extended service set identifier (ESSID) signal to any device in the vicinity announcing its presence. Change the default user name to a unique user name. For added protection, set it up to require a password for access.
* Turn off identifier broadcasting: Hackers near your home can use identifier broadcasting to locate unprotected wireless networks. Disable this mechanism if your wireless router allows it.
* Turn off wireless network when not in use: If you will not be using your wireless network for an extended period of time, turn it off or disconnect it. Hackers are unable to gain unauthorized wireless access to your computers if the wireless network is not operating.
* Use encryption: The most effective way to secure your wireless network from intruders is to encrypt, or scramble, communications over the network. Typically, the default setting is to have this system turned off. Follow the directions included with your wireless router, or the product support information on the manufacturer’s web site, to turn on encryption. Turning on encryption will allow access only to users with the proper user names and passwords. If your wireless router doesn’t have an encryption feature, consider getting one that does. Two main types of encryption are available: Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) and the more secure Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA). Your computer, router, and other equipment must use the same encryption.
* Be careful away from home: If you are accessing the Internet through a public hot spot, do not use this connection for anything involving sensitive private information.
Depending on your system, you may not be able to adjust all of your router’s settings. You may want to review your router’s documentation or your ISP for additional information on securing your wireless system.
By: Todd Curtis, PhD
Secure Your Home Wireless Network And Keep Hackers Out
October 7th, 2009
One of the most important, yet under-implemented features of any home wireless network is security. Many people worry only about file sharing and network printing. But many people underestimate the need for security or simply do not understand it. Security is important because unlike conventional wired networks, wireless signals are transmitted across a broader spectrum and thus can be easily picked up.
With the ever growing threat of identity theft you want to take the steps necessary to secure your home wireless network. There are some minor threats and major threats to your personal information. On the minor side an intruder may easily connect to your unsecured wireless network and use it for free internet access. This is called piggybacking. These are minor threats to your privacy.
A major threat is a hacker who is looking to attack your network and hack into it and access your files and personal data. Once they have this they can easily start stealing your identity or selling it to someone who will.
Wireless security can easily be implemented by following a few guidelines. One of the most important features is MAC address filtering. Each computer has a unique MAC address. In your network configuration you enter the MAC addresses of your PCs and laptops. Any other computer that is not specified in your network will be blocked from accessing it.
Another important network security feature is disabling the broadcast of the SSID, or name of your network. It is best to refer to the manufacturer’s documentation for specifics. Most of the required security features are built in the wireless router and this is the first point that needs to be secured. Many of the security settings are turned off by default. Make sure you turn them on for best security.
You can secure and manage your network yourself if you have the time or you can buy a home networking software package that does it for you automatically. There are some good programs out there for under $30 that will secure and repair your home network.
By: Wallace Renckers
