Thesis on "Network Management Data Voice and Video"

Thesis 8 pages (2226 words) Sources: 8 Style: MLA

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Network Management

Information Technology Management is a major concern for organizations throughout the world. As an aspect of information technology management, Network management has become an essential component in ensuring that information is transferred in a secure and timely manner. The purpose of this discussion is to examine network management as it pertains to a converged network (i.e. voice, data, and video). The research will discuss how converged networks operate and the advantages and disadvantages associated with the implementation of such networks.

Network Management

Network Management is defined as "the broad subject of managing computer networks. A wide variety of hardware and software products assist in managing networks. Network management areas include security, performance and reliability ("Network Management")." The importance of proper network management cannot be overemphasized as it pertains to ensuring that organizations are able to handle computer networks under their control (Dong et al.). Such management allows organizations to meet the demands associated with business or organizational goals. Proper network management also ensures that customers and clients are serviced in a timely manner and that their information is secure.

Network management also involves guaranteeing that a business or organization has access to the latest technologies as it pertains to networking and network features. At the current time the concept and implementation of convergent networks has become popular for organizations both large and small. Convergent networks work by combining video,

Converged networks

To ensure that the aforementioned needs are met the network management must involve converged networks. According to a report published by the United States General Accounting Office, converged networks have permitted networks that were once separate such as, voice and data, to converge. According to the article these are next generation networks have the capacity to transmit voice and data on the same network. The Voice and communication Handbook explains that converged networks have the possibility of becoming virtual cubicles. These virtual cubicles will be present in offices and will even be available in homes. The author further explains that features such as a remote business voice will allow employees to have access to the same type of voice and data transmission at home that is available in the office environment (Bates, 2007).

Additionally, such a network will give employees, working from home, access to features such as the corporate intranet and private branch exchange (Bates, 2007). The book also explains that most industries still rely upon separate voice and data networks, because they are still more secure and reliable than converged networks (Bates, 2007). However, it is believed that in the years to come technology and security options will continue to progress and converged networks will become more reliable.

A critical and important aspect of converged networks is Voice Over Internet Protocol or VoIP. This mechanism is essential because it allows networks to communicate over the internet instead of through phone lines. VoIP is a type of telephony service that is wireless, fast and convenient. An article entitled "A Tour of Tomorrow's Technology: Don't Let the Future Sneak Up on You" because VoIP allows the client to make calls through the internet instead of phone lines it is advantageous to organizations that implement the technology. The advantages that exist include improved efficiency and decreased cost.

The article further explains that the "

VoIP call charges are a result of open-market competition, unlike the higher, heavily regulated rates for traditional phone services. And new products, such as computer telephony integration, boost efficiency by passing information seamlessly from a telephone to a customer service representative's computer. Regardless of whether you're planning a smaller phone system for an office or a larger one for an entire organization, a VoIP system will cut per-call costs and reduce reliance on hardware that must be replaced periodically (Johnston, pg. 95)."

VoIP is important to the implementation of convergent networks because it provides the mechanism that allows the converged network to operate. VoIP together with software programs such as SKYPE allow people in separate locations to communicate with one another using both video and audio communication (Godwin-Jones). This communication takes place over a convergent network.

Converged networks are most essential for organizations that deal with emergency response issues. These organizations need voice, data and even video communication to ensure they can assist people in need. As a result of the essential nature of converged networks it is important that organizations understand the purpose a converged network serves and the advantages and disadvantages of such a network.

These advantages and disadvantages will be discussed in the next few paragraphs of this discussion.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Converged Networks

The article also reports that converged networks have several advantages. These advantages include the use of packet switching which allows the network to quickly recover if a problem occurs. The article explains further that packet switching works by diving messages into small packets and transmitting the packets across a network to a destination where they are recombined. The article asserts

The resiliency of using a packet-switching network is due to the packet's ability to be transmitted over multiple routes, avoiding areas that may be congested or damaged. Conversely, conventional voice services use traditional telephone networks, which are based on circuit switching technology. Instead of breaking a message up into packets, circuit- switching uses a dedicated channel to transmit the voice communication. Once all of the channels are occupied, no further connections can be made until a channel becomes available ("Critical Infrastructure Protection")."

In addition to the aforementioned advantages, there are also other advantages associated with converged networks. One of which is that such networks enable remote workers to manage or maneuver a single network (Bates). In addition there is only one service provider for the network. There is also only one piece of remote access equipment (Bates). The converged networks is also advantageous from a management standpoint because services are consolidated and fewer service providers are necessary. Indeed, it appears that converged networks can be a great advantage to organizations because they provide seamless communications (Bates). They can also be easier to manage because various forms of communication are combined to produce a system (Bates).

The lower costs associated with converged networks is also a major advantage associated with converged networks. In fact the lower cost is a major reason for the popularity of such networks. An article entitled "A Strong Case for converged Networks" asserts that difficult economic times have caused businesses to implement converged networks in an effort to cut cost and increase profits. The article explains the idea of 'Converged Network' is popular because, "with minimal additional investment one gets the benefit of voice and video as well. Besides cost savings VoIP also presents value-added services like integrating voicemail, video, e-mail and fax (universal Inbox)...VoIP becomes cost-effective for enterprises that already use leased lines on a WAN ("A Strong Case for converged Networks")."

Although converged networks present many advantages, there are also some disadvantages associated with the utilization of such networks. The disadvantages are usually associated with the technical problems that can come about as a result of the utilization of converged networks. The article asserts that the most problematic issue associated with converged networks has to do with the fact that national organizations providing voice services have as a foundation traditional telephone networks. These traditional telephone networks utilize circuit switches as opposed to packet switches. As such it is problematic to implement converged networks because they are not compatible with the traditional telephone networks and there is no consistent standard for providing priority service on a packet-switched network. Additionally, the Internet-based protocols routinely used on converged networks are often vulnerable. In addition, when such networks are not properly implemented can be unreliable. This lack of reliability can be particularly detrimental because it can cause delays in transmission because packets are often lost.

Another disadvantage associated with converged networks, and networks in general, is keeping the network secure. According to an article published in Journal of Network and Systems Management ensuring that converged networks are secure is difficult to achieve. The article explains that the joining of technologies and architectures present in converged networks means there are broad perimeters. The joining of these factors also leads to complicated interfaces and unanticipated behavior. The article asserts that traditional security measure offer some protect for converged networks. However, these traditional methods cannot completely remove the vulnerability that exists within the converged network. The author further states that "Network security management systems direct and coordinate incident detection, analysis and response. Although intrusion detection and response tools are commonplace for Internet Protocol (IP) networks, such tools are scarce for wireless and public telephone networks (Dawkins et al., 2005)."

In addition the article also asserts that an all inclusive network security management system has to incorporate both detection and scanning mechanism designed to confront attacks that converged networks are likely to encounter (Dawkins et al.).

In addition a good network security system should have the capacity to develop fully-integrated attack and network models. It is also important that… READ MORE

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