| Network management is the process of monitoring network elements and links, configuring network elements, and enabling network services. Network management also includes the collection of performance, diagnostics, and other relevant data about each element to ensure availability and that services are being delivered to meet or exceed service level agreements. Whether a network is being managed locally or from a Network Operations Center (NOC), achieving network management objectives depends on comprehensive and reliable network management solutions. From an architectural perspective, implementing out-of-band management (OOBM) for network elements is a best practice and the first step in the deployment of a management network. OOBM networks isolate network users from communication channels dedicated to network management and thereby provide traffic separation to increase security for all network management activities. The management network should have a direct link with local connection to the managed network elements. Where this is not possible, the management traffic can traverse the production network or transient IP backbone via private encrypted tunnel. This requirement is applicable to network device management and is not applicable to the routing function. |
