Previous | Table of Contents | Next |
Now that we have considered the elements of a network management system, we can describe management architectures from prominent vendors that support SNMP-based network management. This section discusses, in alphabetical order, offerings from Asante Technologies, Inc., Hewlett-Packard Company, Novell, SunSoft, Inc., and Tivoli Systems. References [1-30] through [1-32] provide general information and product evaluations.
Asante Technologies Inc.s IntraSpection is the first SNMP management product based entirely on Intranet technology, a technology that is being widely and rapidly adopted. IntraSpection is an open, standards-based SNMP management platform that runs on a Windows NT Web server and delivers standard SNMP data graphically to any Java-enabled Web browser. Thus, IntraSpection provides network management capabilities for your entire network anytime, anywhere you have access to the World Wide Web (see Figure 1-16).
Figure 1-16. Asante Technologies IntraSpection architecture (Courtesy of Asante Technologies, Inc.)
IntraSpection includes true multiple platform support, as network managers can now manage the entire network with one Java-enabled client browser using a Macintosh, Windows NT, or UNIX workstation. IntraSpection provides the same GUI, operating procedure, and functionality across all platforms. Java technologies enable IntraSpection to deliver real-time network status monitoring, statistic graphs, network discoveries, and problem reports. All of this information is constantly updated and delivered to the client browser automatically.
In addition, the product speeds up problem identification, isolation, and resolution. Network managers have the flexibility to identify, isolate, resolve, and monitor the entire network from anywhere theres access to the Web. Theres no need to rush back to the management stationyou can resolve the issue and monitor the progress when the problem occurs from wherever you are. IntraSpection also simplifies the implementation of the Simple Network Management Protocol by providing multivendor hardware support in a single unified platform. Both Asante and third-party hardware devices may be managed down to the port level.
IntraSpection is compliant with the following SNMP-based management standards:
IntraSpection is comprised of five software modules. The Map Manager builds a topology diagram of the network. The Device Manager graphically represents each network element. The Trap Manager gathers device statistics and stores that information on a third-party database that is running on the same server. A HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) module can be used to turn the IntraSpection server into a Web server. Finally, the Common Gateway Interface (CGI) module translates the HyperText Markup Language (HTML) to/from SNMP commands/responses.
IntraSpection also provides a powerful development platform. Unlike the traditional network management software platform which requires special programming, IntraSpection gives users the ability to develop a complete device management system with one HTML page. It is completely modifiable and can be customized to meet your specific needs.
Reference [1-33] provides further information on IntraSpection.
Cabletron Systems SPECTRUM Enterprise Manager is designed as an open system to be implemented in multivendor environments. The architecture is based on a client/server paradigm, with various interfaces to other systems. SPECTRUM consists of two principal elements. A graphical user interface (GUI), called SpectroGRAPH, provides a Motif-based interface for the end user. The management server, called SpectroSERVER, consists of two sections. The Virtual Network Machine (VNM) creates models of the various network entities, such as cables or network devices. The Device Communication Manager (DCM) is a multiprotocol communications engine with protocol support for SNMP, IEEE 802.1, and ICMP/PING commands, and with future support planned for CMIP as well as extensions (via a tool kit) for any proprietary protocol (see Figure 1-17).
Figure 1-17. Cabletron Systems SPECTRUM architecture (Courtesy of Cabletron Systems)
In a typical implementation, the SpectroGRAPH and SpectroSERVER run on different hosts on the network. The two systems are typically connected via a BSD UNIX socket. SPECTRUMs client/server architecture has allowed it to achieve high levels of scalability, including environments with hundreds and even thousands of SpectroSERVERS working in parallel.
SPECTRUM Enterprise Manager can support both UNIX and NT workstations with complete fluidity. For instance, an NT-based SpectroGRAPH can fully interoperate with a UNIX-based SpectroSERVER. It is even possible for a UNIX-based SpectroGRAPH to interoperate with an NT-based SpectroSERVER. SPECTRUM on NT has all the features, functions, and most of the applications currently available on UNIX.
SPECTRUM utilizes two databases. The Distributed Database Manager (DDM) contains an archive of network events and statistics. The Inductive Modeling Technology (IMT) database models network relationships from a variety of perspectives, such as topology, alarms, hierarchies, and even organizations. Both databases are resident with the SpectroSERVER but can provide integrated, enterprise-wide reports, alarm views, automated application notification, and other enterprise-wide features.
Many of SPECTRUMs advanced applications exploit its IMT to build higher levels of automation. For instance, SPECTRUM Resolution Expert provides customers with automated fault resolution using an artificial intelligence technology called Case-based reasoning. This technology helps to diagnose network and systems problems using the same paradigm that lawyers use when they attempt to prove a point drawing on past case history.
Reference [1-34] provides further information on SPECTRUM.
Previous | Table of Contents | Next |