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Planning for Network Growth

This chapter includes the following topics:

Meeting the Challenges

Planning with the Network Performance Advisor

Starting the Network Performance Advisor

Creating a New Report

Reorganize Your Current Equipment

Add or Upgrade Equipment

Top Conversations

Inventory of End Nodes

When There Are No Recommendations

Controlling Data Storage - Administration

How Data is Collected

Segments Excluded from Analysis

Meeting the Challenges

The rapid increase in the number and size of networks has created new challenges in network administration. Companies depend on efficiently func- tioning networks to stay competitive, maintain productivity, and control costs. Network administrators must perform network optimization activities to use the available bandwidth efficiently and maintain acceptable response times for the users. Additionally, network administrators must meet the conflicting demands of providing continuous network operation and planning for long- term growth and advances in technology.

Most network administrators manage networks that have grown over time, using the technologies that were available. As networks grow, problems also increase. The feedback mechanism to the administrator is an irate phone call. Few planning processes exist, often because administrators do not have the time or the expertise required to plan for network growth.

Network administrators must be able to take some proactive steps to improve the performance of the network or they will have networks characterized by congestion and unavailability to users. Planning, optimization, and having the tools to effect changes quickly are vital as the network grows.

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HP Networking TopTool Products manual Planning for Network Growth, Meeting the Challenges