Learning Guide

Guide to network performance management

 

  This guide introduces you to the best performance management practices and pitfalls to avoid, and provides troubleshooting help and advice for monitoring and maintaining your network. You'll find articles, tutorials, tips, tools, white papers,

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-- Kara Gattine, Associate Editor


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
   The Network Life Cycle -- An introduction by Loki Jorgenson
   Network documentation
   Network monitoring
   Network measurement
   Network troubleshooting
   Resources
  More Learning Guides


 

  The Network Life Cycle by Loki Jorgenson  Return to Table of Contents

 The Network Life Cycle defines a range of needs that require a variety of methodologies and tools for network Monitoring, Measurement, Assessment and Diagnosis (MMAD). Each stage of the NLC has its own requirements that can typically be met with a judicious selection of tools and assessment solutions. This guide provides some of the underpinnings of a successful NLC.

Each stage of the typical Network Life Cycle requires some degree of attention with regards to MMAD. In fact, the degree to which each stage is properly carried out can define the likelihood of success of subsequent stages.



 

  Network documentation  Return to Table of Contents


In order to respond to network incidents you will need to have thorough records. These resources will help.

 

  Network monitoring  Return to Table of Contents


Keeping a close eye on your network performance and throughput is critical. But as your network grows and becomes more complicated, monitoring it becomes all the more complex. Here's some help.

 

  Network measurement  Return to Table of Contents


Measuring performance (not just availability) is essential. Use these resources as a starting point.

 

  Network troubleshooting  Return to Table of Contents


Troubleshooting your network is a big part of a network manager's job. It's also one of the most complex parts. These resources can help you with the many options and all those details.

 

  Resources  Return to Table of Contents


These links round out our coverage on performance, measurement, assessment and diagnosis.

Special features

  • Article: It's the application stupid!
  • Article: Identifying network misuse

     

     

    With a Ph.D. in computational physics from McGill University, Loki Jorgenson has been active in scientific computation, physics and mathematics, visualization, and simulation for over 20 years. He has published in areas as diverse as philosophy, graphics, educational technologies, statistical mechanics, logic and number theory. Loki is an Adjunct Professor of Mathematics at Simon Fraser University, where he co-founded the Center for Experimental and Constructive Mathematics. He has directed academic research in numerous network-centric projects from high performance computing to telelearning. At Apparent Networks, Loki is responsible for leading their efforts in critical research areas such as high performance applications, wireless and VoIP, expert systems, and intelligent networks in collaboration with international thought leaders and as a corporate member of Internet2.

     

This was first published in August 2005

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