Introduction to Computer Network Management For Beginners – Today’s digital technology calls for the integration of various computing devices to successfully access the internet, as well as to run various programs and applications. However, like all digital systems, they, too, are subject to malfunction, which can slow your network services and thus your daily business activities.

Computer network management helps ensure you are always ready for network system errors by continuously monitoring the various elements of your system for glitches, so they can be resolved immediately for less downtime.

Computer Networking Basics

In short, a computer network enables interpersonal communications via video conferencing, email, telephone, and other internet connections. It also enables authorized users to share data, files, and more, as well as allows them to access other types of information on other network computers. In other words, it allows authorized users to share network and computer resources provided by devices on the network.

Computer networks consist of the hardware, such as the router, printer, or other physical devices that are linked to the main computing device, as well as the software or operating system that is programmed into the hardware that enables the device to link or bridge to the server and then essentially the web.

The interconnection of the devices on the network system is established using a data connection, also known as a network link, such as wireless media or cable media.

However, in order for the network to continue to run properly, both the software and the networking hardware must remain configured to interact with each other.

But over time, and for various reasons, one or more of the intricate parts of the computer network can crash, causing the configuration of the entire system to become out of whack, which can cause your network service to lose peak performance or to simply go out altogether.

When this occurs, it can cause the dreaded downtime that many businesses fear because it equates to a loss in productivity, as well as a decrease in profits, unless they have successful network management and monitoring in place.

What Network Management and Monitoring is Used For

Network management and monitoring enables the network administrator to both track and manage your computer network remotely using various tools that alert’s the manager of any issues within the system.

As they monitor the network system, should an issue occur, they will quickly make the necessary changes to get the system back up and running again before it snowballs into a more serious issue.

They also monitor the web server to ensure it remains strongly connected to your network devices, as well as functioning properly, which also helps prevent your system from being offline.

Explain the Fundamentals

A network system requires two main factors to ensure it remains functioning efficiently, a working router, and a strong connection.

Sometimes a malfunctioning router can experience latency, which can be due to the geographical location.

Should your router experience a decrease in speed or connectivity, the network administrator will usually run a ping test to determine the average speed for the area, which will alert them if the issue is a result of the region or some other issue.

Or, sometimes, the issue may be with the DNS, which transforms or translates the user’s ISP address into readable terms that enable the applications to be accessed from the server.

Some other common elements the administrator monitors include:

  • Configuration – of the devices on the managed network, as well as the hardware and software configurations of these devices are constantly tracked by the administrator.
  • SLA agreements – are monitored to ensure the performance of the network provider matches the criteria in the agreement.
  • Intrusions – can occur from both network traffic as well as packets aimed at the server, which can signal an attack on the system. Therefore, the network manager continuously monitors both for suspicious activity.

How Network Management is Good for a Business?

Network management is most beneficial to businesses because it monitors and manages the performance of their network system from all angles, which is the heart of many companies, to ensure it is never down for long for more reliable operations. It also helps free up your IT team for more efficient operations.

If you are a business owner who wants to feel more assured in your computer network system, consider enlisting the aid of a network manager for greater peace of mind.