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Network Management
As most IT services rely heavily on connectivity, Network Management is crucial for delivering seamless services and enabling Service Operation teams to access and manage key service components. Network Management oversees the organisation’s Local Area Networks (LANs), Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs), and Wide Area Networks (WANs). Additionally, they are responsible for liaising with third-party network providers to ensure consistent and reliable connectivity.
Key Responsibilities of Network Management
The role of Network Management encompasses a wide range of activities essential for maintaining robust network infrastructure and service reliability. These activities include:
- Planning and Installation: Overseeing the initial planning and installation of new networks or network components, as well as managing maintenance and upgrades to the physical network infrastructure. This work is coordinated through Service Design and Service Transition processes.
- Third-Level Support: Providing advanced support for all network-related issues, including investigating problems using tools like ping, traceroute, and network management software. It’s important to note that pinging a server doesn’t necessarily confirm that the service is available. Network Management also includes the use of ‘sniffer’ tools to analyse network traffic and assist in incident and problem resolution.
- Maintenance and Support: Managing network operating systems and middleware, including patch management and software upgrades, to ensure the network runs smoothly and securely.
- Traffic Monitoring: Continuously monitoring network traffic to identify failures, potential performance issues, or bottlenecks. Network Management is also responsible for reconfiguring or rerouting traffic to improve throughput and balance the load effectively.
- Network Security: Collaborating with Information Security Management to handle network security tasks such as firewall management, access rights, password protection, and more.
- IP Management: Assigning and managing IP addresses, Domain Name Systems (DNS), and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) systems to ensure smooth network access and service functionality.
- Managing ISPs: Overseeing relationships with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to ensure reliable internet connectivity.
- Intrusion Detection: Implementing, monitoring, and maintaining Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) to safeguard the network from unauthorised access, while ensuring that legitimate users are not denied service.
- Configuration Management: Updating Configuration Management documentation as necessary, including Configuration Items (CIs), statuses, and relationships.
Additional Responsibilities in Network Management
In many organisations, Network Management also plays a role in supporting remote connectivity, working closely with Desktop Support to manage dial-in, dial-back, and VPN services for home-workers, remote workers, and suppliers. Some Network Management teams are also responsible for telephony services, including the provision and support of exchanges, lines, Automatic Call Distribution (ACD), statistical software, and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems.
However, in some organisations, VoIP and telephony are considered specialised areas managed by dedicated teams. These teams perform similar activities to those described above, ensuring reliable voice communication alongside data network management.
Strengthen Your Network Management with Pink Elephant
At Pink Elephant, we understand the vital role that Network Management plays in maintaining service quality and reliability. Our expert services are designed to help you manage, secure, and optimise your network infrastructure, ensuring your IT services perform at their best.