network tracking tool

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).

Read more about network tracking tool: - InfoWorld reviews three network tracking tools. - Allied Telesyn offers a network tracking tool called AT-View Plus. - Prism Microsystems offers several network tracking tools. - SearchSecurity.com provides links to information on network device management.

Do you have something to add to this definition? Let us know. Send your comments to techterms@whatis.com

Digg This!     StumbleUpon     Del.icio.us

RELATED CONTENT Losing the war to lock down networks might help enterprises innovate While security concerns cannot be set aside, users unwilling to leave their own applications at home might bring some innovation to the office. Prevent unauthorized USB devices with software restriction policies, third-party apps How to prevent unauthorized USB device use by implementing software restriction policies or by using third-party applications. Can users on my LAN view my computer from other machines? Learn how users on your LAN can view your machines from other computers in this response from network security expert Puneet Mehta.

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...