Q-Logic MKII-BASE16 user manual Network Management Station, Function Description

Managing the Switch Using SNMP

Figure 3-13 illustrates the four main components involved in network management.

Node

SNMP Agent

Node

SNMP Agent

Management

Station

SNMP

Manager

MIB

Software

Figure 3-13. Network Management Framework

The Network Management Station

A network management station is a centralized node (usually a dedicated workstation) connected to a network that runs some kind of network management software application (manager). For example OpenView™ from Hewlet Packard, NetView™ from IBM, Spectrum™ from Cabletron, or SunNet Manager™ from Sun Microsystems. Generally, the manager supports and uses SNMP to monitor the network and collect information from the agents in the network. The manager, rather than the agents, has the intelligence to use and interpret the information provided by the agents. This information enables the administrator to examine the statistics and monitor the network for performance or operation problems. The network management station provides the following principal functions:

Function	Description
Managing Nodes	The administrator can manage network nodes,
	either remotely or locally, by issuing SNMP
	commands from the management station and
	receiving responses to queries. Most management
	stations provide user-friendly interfaces.
Error Message Clearinghouse	The management station receives error messages
	from various managed nodes and initiates any
	necessary pre-programmed actions. A good
	implementation also retains a database of error
	messages to provide a history of events for
	diagnostics or troubleshooting.
Network Mapping	The management station displays the network
	layout map based on information collected from
	various agents as well as MIB information in an
	easy-to-understand manner. It can also show alarm

GigWorks MkII-16 Switch Model MKII-BASE16		Switch Management 3-49
Installer's/User's Manual	59003-01 Rev. A