| Network management is the process of monitoring network elements and links, configuring network elements to turn up and disable network services; and 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. This requirement is applicable to network device management and is not applicable to the routing function. |
