The report covers the evaluation of the network management protocols SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) and CMIP (Common Management Information Protocol). The history of the network management protocol is explained in the beginning to set the base for an understanding of the need for efficient network management protocols, which carry management information in their payload. The description and thorough comparison of the two protocols reveal several highlights: SNMP and CMIP are designed with different backgrounds and purposes. SNMP is appreciated due to its simplicity and ease of implementation and criticized for its lack of security issues and overall performance. CMIP was designed to overcome the shortcomings of SNMP and to outweigh it in every field. This aim has been achieved but what renders the protocol useless is the fact that it requires too much network resources. SNMP remains the network management protocol of choice.
After the presentation of the two protocols the attention is drawn to the impact of middleware on the management processes. Middleware can be considered as a layer of software that supports multiple communication protocols, multiple programming languages, and runs on various computer platforms. It helps to integrate otherwise incompatible system components by providing standardized mechanisms that distributed components can use to communicate over a network. With middleware the best of both worlds (SNMP versus CMIP) can be achieved. The most important middleware technologies are the Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM) and the Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA). Although middleware eats up network resources significantly, it adds value to the corporative network due to its high performance and standardized interfaces that enable managers to employ network devices with the focus on the gained benefit rather than on their potential integration in the current network environment. One can see that network management, supported by middleware, moves towards the coverage of all layers in the OSI reference model.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1 NETWORK MANAGEMENT PROTOCOLS
- 1.1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
- 1.2 PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF SMNP AND CMIP
- 1.2.1 SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)
- 1.2.1.1 SNMP at a glance
- 1.2.1.1.1 History of the network management protocol
- 1.2.1.1.2 About the protocol
- 1.2.1.2 SNMP Architecture
- 1.2.2 CMIP (Common Management Information Protocol)
- 1.2.2.1 CMIP at a glance
- 1.2.2.2 CMIP architecture
- 1.3 SNMP VERSUS CMIP - COMPARISON
- 1.3.1 Management Information System
- 1.3.2 Management Access Model
- 1.3.3 Scalability
- 1.3.4 Performance
- 1.3.5 Reliability
- 1.3.6 Security
- 1.4 ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF THE MIDDLEWARE
- 1.4.1 CORBA (Common Object Request Broker Architecture)
- 1.4.2 DCOM (Distributed Component Object Model)
- 2 CRITIQUE OF VARIOUS NETWORK MANAGEMENT TOOLS
- 2.1 SELECTION OF SUITABLE NETWORK MANAGEMENT PRODUCTS
- 2.2 MANAGEMENT INFORMATION BASE (MIB)
- 2.3 EVALUATION OF COMMERCIAL TOOLS FOR NETWORK MANAGEMENT
- 3 REFERENCES
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
The objective of this report is to evaluate network management protocols, specifically SNMP and CMIP, and their associated tools. It aims to compare their strengths and weaknesses, considering factors such as architecture, performance, security, and scalability. The impact of middleware technologies like CORBA and DCOM on network management is also analyzed.
- Comparison of SNMP and CMIP protocols
- Analysis of SNMP and CMIP architecture and functionality
- Evaluation of the role of middleware in network management
- Assessment of various network management tools
- Discussion of the Management Information Base (MIB)
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1 NETWORK MANAGEMENT PROTOCOLS: This chapter provides a detailed overview of network management protocols, focusing primarily on SNMP and CMIP. It begins with a historical context, tracing the evolution of network management from early systems to the emergence of SNMP and CMIP as dominant protocols. A thorough comparison of SNMP and CMIP highlights their differing design philosophies and functionalities. SNMP's simplicity and ease of implementation are contrasted with CMIP's more robust but resource-intensive approach. The chapter also examines the impact of middleware technologies (CORBA and DCOM) on network management, emphasizing their role in integrating disparate systems and enhancing interoperability. The discussion underscores the trade-offs between simplicity and functionality, and the ongoing relevance of SNMP despite the theoretical advantages of CMIP.
2 CRITIQUE OF VARIOUS NETWORK MANAGEMENT TOOLS: This chapter delves into the practical application of network management, focusing on the selection and evaluation of various tools. It explores different categories of network management tools, such as diagnostic, monitoring, and management tools, providing a comparative analysis of their capabilities and suitability for different network environments. Specific commercial network management solutions like Novell ManageWise, Hewlett Packard OpenView, and IBM Tivoli NetView are discussed, highlighting their features and functionalities. The chapter concludes with an evaluation of common command-line network diagnostic tools such as Sniffer, Ping, Traceroute, and MRTG, demonstrating their application in practical network troubleshooting and management. This section bridges the theoretical discussion of protocols from Chapter 1 with the practical considerations of implementing and maintaining a network.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
SNMP, CMIP, Network Management Protocols, Middleware, CORBA, DCOM, Network Management Tools, MIB, Monitoring, Diagnostics, Novell ManageWise, Hewlett Packard OpenView, IBM Tivoli NetView, Sniffer, Ping, Traceroute, MRTG.
Network Management Protocols: FAQs
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of network management protocols, focusing on SNMP and CMIP. It compares their strengths and weaknesses, analyzes the role of middleware (CORBA and DCOM), and evaluates various network management tools.
What protocols are primarily discussed?
The main focus is on SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) and CMIP (Common Management Information Protocol), comparing their architectures, functionalities, and overall effectiveness.
How does the document compare SNMP and CMIP?
The document offers a detailed comparison of SNMP and CMIP, highlighting SNMP's simplicity and ease of implementation versus CMIP's more robust but resource-intensive approach. It examines their differing design philosophies and functionalities across various factors, including Management Information System, Management Access Model, scalability, performance, reliability, and security.
What is the role of middleware in network management?
The document analyzes the impact of middleware technologies, specifically CORBA (Common Object Request Broker Architecture) and DCOM (Distributed Component Object Model), on network management. It emphasizes their role in integrating disparate systems and improving interoperability.
What network management tools are discussed?
The document discusses several commercial network management solutions, including Novell ManageWise, Hewlett Packard OpenView, and IBM Tivoli NetView. It also evaluates common command-line diagnostic tools such as Sniffer, Ping, Traceroute, and MRTG, demonstrating their practical applications in network troubleshooting and management.
What is the Management Information Base (MIB)?
The document explains the importance of the Management Information Base (MIB) in network management.
What are the key themes explored in the document?
Key themes include a comparison of SNMP and CMIP protocols, analysis of their architectures, the role of middleware in network management, an assessment of various network management tools, and a discussion of the Management Information Base (MIB).
What are the chapter summaries?
Chapter 1 provides a detailed overview of SNMP and CMIP, including their history, architecture, and a comparison of their functionalities. Chapter 2 delves into the practical application of network management, focusing on the selection and evaluation of various tools, both commercial and command-line based.
What are the keywords associated with this document?
Keywords include SNMP, CMIP, Network Management Protocols, Middleware, CORBA, DCOM, Network Management Tools, MIB, Monitoring, Diagnostics, Novell ManageWise, Hewlett Packard OpenView, IBM Tivoli NetView, Sniffer, Ping, Traceroute, and MRTG.
- Quote paper
- Thomas Kramer (Author), 2000, Network Management Protocols and Tools Study, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1892
