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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 |
Error Message Clearinghouse | The management station receives error messages |
| from various managed nodes and initiates any |
| necessary |
| 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 |
|
GigWorks | Switch Management | |
Installer's/User's Manual |