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A note on network management systems

Router analogy Routers are like intersections ...

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Network management systems detect network activity and log them onto the system. They are a part of Operation Support Systems (OSS). Network management systems (NMS) are used by all network operators to manage their network. There are different kinds of network operators.

A network operator may lease a network line for companies who like to use them. For example a telecommunications company may approach a network operator to serve their network needs. A network operator will have thousands of routers, modems, switches, repeaters, and other such networking equipment.

Now you may ask, why should not the telecommunications company have its own network? It can, but the problem is that it will have to buy lots of modems, and routers, and other networking equipment. It will have to manage these devices too. This means it has to set up a network operations center. This only doubles its expenses and diverts its business focus. The easy route would be to call on a network service provider who will have a dedicated network operations center to manage the network devices.

Network management systems are used by the network operations center. There are only a handful of network service providers. To be a network service provider requires a lot of investment in hardware and software.The NMS helps the network operations center to detect fault and performance issues in the network devices. The NMS will alert the operations center personnel on potential issues beforehand. Operations personnel will resolve the issue in their own specific ways.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Networks Tagged With: , ,

Basic Terminology of Computer Networks

When computers and other devices are connected together in order to share data and communications then a computer network has been built.

There are many aspects that characterize computer networks. One is the size of the network. A network can be considered a local area network if it covers a small geographic area such as a building. Wide area networks typically cover areas larger than a local area network and may comprise a college campus or a company with several buildings in one location. Metropolitan area networks, on the other hand, usually cover wide geographic areas such as a city, a county or entire state.

Networks can be categorized according to their topology which represents their layout or structure. One topology is called a bus in which all devices on the network communicate through a common conduit while another is a star in which all communications are controlled by a centralized device. Other topologies include ring and mesh.

Devices on a network can be connected together by various means. The most popular of these media include twisted-pair copper wire, fiber optics, coaxial cable and wireless technologies. Wireless technologies are becoming more popular these days with the widespread use of smartphones and have found their way onto many college campuses to provide connectivity to students and faculty anywhere on campus. Many local retail establishments also provide wireless connections for their customers.

Networks also need a protocol or a set of rules that all devices use for communicating with each other. One popular protocol is TCP/IP which is used for all communications on the Internet and for most networks in private businesses and corporations.

 

 

Filed Under: Internet, Networks Tagged With: , ,

Software for the Home Office

You’ve set up your home office with the proper computer, printer, private business line, and wireless network, but what about software? Chances are that new computer came with some pretty good standard programs; you would be hard-pressed to get any work done without Windows, e-mail, and a word processing program, but don’t overlook these important additions:

Antivirus Software

Foregoing antivirus protection means putting yourself at risk of losing valuable files and projects-in-progress. Nobody should take that chance. Norton or McAfee are highly recommended antivirus programs for home-based offices. Any network over five computers will need a heftier business program.

Norton AntiVirus 

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Firewall

Your computer is susceptible to hackers and tech-savvy thieves who may be out to steal your information. A firewall acts as a security guard to inspect network traffic passing through your CPU and hard drives. Most home businesses lack firewall protection or, if they have a firewall, have failed to set them up properly. It’s vital to correctly configure your firewall, so enlist the help of a trained expert if necessary.

Online Backup

As an added layer of protection, store important documents and files on an online backup service. The annual fees are minimal, although they are starting to go up as demand increases, and your files are available anywhere there is an Internet connection, even from your mobile device.

If you would rather not pay for online storage, another solution is to set up a separate e-mail account. E-mail yourself any documents you wish to save. For hard copies, scan the documents and then send to the e-mail address. Once there, file the documents into special folders. Your e-mail has become your online backup.

 

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How to Maintain a Safe Computer Network

Setting up a home network is a great way to keep multiple computers connected, and allows for several machines to share one printer, one internet connection, other files and documents. It is important to ensure that every single computer is fully equipped with anti-virus software to protect against dangerous and malicious files being accidentally downloaded. However, if it is too late, and a virus has been detected, there are several things that must be done to remove the files before too much irreparable damage is caused.

The first step is to immediately download or purchase antivirus software, and make sure that it is current. This will help reduce any additional security threats. Spyware is another type of file that can severely damage a computer and the files stored within. If such a file is already on the computer, it may have features that will disable the current security features, causing users to be completely unaware of the problem. Anti-spyware programs are crucial to preventing these files from attacking the machine.

Some unsafe websites may allow access to personal information. When visiting a site, be sure that the information given will be encrypted for your protection. Many enjoy online gaming, but some sites featuring online casino games are not safe. Make sure that everyone with access to the network is an authorized user. Another tip is to allow anti-virus and anti-spyware programs to download automatic updates. There are new viruses created daily, so patches are created to fight off these new viruses. Following these steps is crucial in making sure that private information and important documents, photos, music, and more will always be protected.

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