 - A network tracking tool, also called a network device management program, is a program that helps a network administrator keep track of moves, additions, and changes (known as MACs) to the hardware infrastructure of a network. Some network tracking tools keep track of cabling MACs only. Others can keep track of all the devices connected to the network, and provide visual diagrams of the network configuration showing all the configurations the network has had since it was first put into use.
A network tracking tool allows an administrator to maintain an inventory of network devices, schedule device scans, and compile periodic reports on the status of each device. Some network tracking tools provide a wizard or Web-browser interface to make the program more user-friendly. A few network tracking tools can contact each new device and determine the make and model automatically (if the administrator chooses that option). Devices can be sorted and categorized according to manufacturer, model, make, status, and other user-defined criteria.
There are a number of advantages to the use of a network tracking tool. For example, if a cable is unplugged, an alarm can be triggered in the network operations center. Some network tracking tools allow work orders to be signed off and documentation on the physical layer to be updated automatically. A network tracking tool can help technicians resolve hardware problems by identifying the location in the physical layer where trouble occurs. By maintaining comprehensive records of all MACs, a network tracking tool can help an enterprise conform to the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX).
Learn more about compliance at SeachCompliance.com.
 |
Learn more about LANs (Local Area Networks) |
| LAN administration guide: LAN administration is an arduous task and your responsibilities often involve many different aspects and may include many tasks. This guide will help you with each step and task. |
| LAN network design considerations: What are the steps to be kept in mind while designing a network having three hundred nodes within a three-floor building and one server room? |
| 10 Gigabit Ethernet tutorial: Connecting data centers, storage, LAN and beyond: Learn how to choose 10 Gigabit Ethernet cabling and components, why new Gigabit Ethernet protocols will improve performance, and how it can all result in data center optimization. |
| Best practices for securing your wireless LAN: Learn best practices for securing a wireless LAN (WLAN) in the enterprise, from systematically monitoring your WLAN for intruders to protecting users and the network itself. |
| A basic virtualized enterprise -- from 'Network Virtualization': Learn why and how to virtualize the network in this chapter from 'Network virtualization' by Victor Moreno and Kumar Reddy. |
| Configuring VLANs: Learn how to configure a virtual LAN (VLAN) in this step-by-step, automated, 15-minute demo. |
| Network administration guide: Network administration responsibilities, such as network design, troubleshooting, backup, documentation, security, and managing users are discussed in this guide. |
| LAST UPDATED: |
06 Mar 2009
|
 |
Do you have something to add to this definition? Let us know.
Send your comments to techterms@whatis.com
|
|
More resources from around the web:
|
 |
 |
| |
RELATED GLOSSARY TERMS
| Terms from Whatis.com − the technology online dictionary |
 |
32-bit IP addressing
(SearchNetworking.com)
32-bit IP addressing is the IP address scheme used in Internet Protocol 4 (IPv6 uses a 128-bit system)... (Continued)
|
|
ARCNET
(SearchNetworking.com)
ARCNET is a widely-installed local area network (LAN) technology that uses a token-bus scheme for managing line sharing among the workstations and...
|
|
|
Show me everything on 