Compaq 167050-001 - Netelligent 5708 Switch Overview page 4

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ETWORK ANAGEMENT
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Figure 2 shows a managed, segmented LAN in which network management now plays a major
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role. The network has been segmented into two smaller segments. Connecting the segments is a
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router or bridge, enabling clients on one side to connect to devices on the other side if needed.
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Network management is essential when planning
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for problem avoidance. You can configure a
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repeater's redundancy capability to anticipate cable,
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controller or port problems. For example, if the
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repeater detects a port failure, it automatically
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switches to a backup port and notifies the
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. . management software of the error. This helps
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ensure uninterrupted operation of the network.
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Network management allows you to employ many
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proactive features that may already be built into
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your network devices. Port intrusion security,
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VLAN, IP/IPX auto-discovery, and RMON support
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are just a few features waiting for a network
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. . management application to put them to use.
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R N
E A C T I V E E T W O R K
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M
. . A N A G E M E N T
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Once a problem is detected, how quickly can you
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identify the problem and implement a solution?
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Without the proper tools, small problems can often
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go undetected until they become major problems.
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Scenario
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A network user calls to inform you that his
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computer can no longer communicate with any of
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the servers on the network. This type of problem frequently occurs on LANs of all sizes and
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. . configurations. You could spend literally days troubleshooting the problem. Where do you start?
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See if the user still has access to the servers and the servers are operational.
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Check the repeater for port problems or see if the repeater has been reconfigured.
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Determine if there is a problem with the network software or drivers on the user's computer.
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See if there is a problem with the network interface card.
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. . See if the user's cable is properly connected and is not faulty.
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A network management application provides a quick diagnosis that leads you to a solution.
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Rather than your having to check each possibility by hand, a network management application
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would allow you to check potential problem areas without leaving your desk.
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One by one, you eliminate each lead until you discover the problem. You may even be able to
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resolve the problem using the network management application itself.
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4
O
VERVIEW (cont'd)
Figure 2 - The example network after
segmenting the repeater with
network management software