Network,Topology,Discovery,and computer Network Topology Discovery and Network Diagram Creation
Gone are those times when the companies and the organisations didn't need a hi-tech system to handle them. Owing to the considerable increase in the business sector and thus, an enormous increase in the complexity of the organisational struc ----------------------------------------------------------Permission is granted for the below article to forward,reprint, distribute, use for ezine, newsletter, website,offer as free bonus or part of a product for sale as longas no changes a
The system administrator has to know where all thenetwork devices are situated and how they are connected to the network in orderto perform his high quality duties in time to detect all failures, to upgradethe hardware, and update the software. Networktopology is a schematic description of the networks arrangement, including itsnodes and connecting lines. The network topology diagram allows an IT managerto view all the network structure: its devices and their connections with eachother.Today, its almost impossible to find the standard star,ring, bus, or line network topologies. Usually, local networks in largecompanies are so complex and difficult that network map creation turns into a realproblem. There are two ways that are used for the network topology discovery:1. You can manually track all devices connections acrossthe wire and then manually draw a diagram on paper. It is a routine and dustywork and takes a lot of time, especially if the company occupies a few floorsor the whole building. 2. The second method is much easier and faster. Youcan discover the network topology with the specialized software. It takes onlythree simple steps to complete the process: 1) Firstly, the system administrator has to installthe topology discovery software onhis computer.2) Secondly, the program will scan the whole network inorder to detect all the devices that are in the network. If there are switchesthat support SNMP protocol, the program will be able to find and draw allconnections automatically. 3) The final step is manual drawing of connections, ifthe topology discovery softwaredidnot manage to do it automatically due to some reasons.After all these steps are finished, the systemadministrator will have the whole companys network diagram on his computer. Icons can be replaced or placedin offices and rooms in order to make the orientation process easier for IT managerif some failures or problems with the network devices occur. Modern market offers the huge amount of network diagram creation software. As a result, in brings up the logical question: how to choose the bestone? In this situation you should bear in mind the following advice (as whilechoosing any program for your organization):1. Before everything else, the trial version must be availablefor any network topology discovery software in order to have an opportunity toevaluate its operation, and decide, whether its functionality fits yourorganizations demands. 2. The softwares interface has to be friendly andcomprehensible. It must be easy and comfortable to use the program.3. Often, the price plays the key role in the processof choosing the right software. It is important to remember, that if you buycheaply, you pay dearly. You must decide for yourself, what is more importantfor you: to purchase modern and good quality software with timely technicalsupport, but pay a little bit more, or save money and get a mediocre programwithout any support. In any case, the price should be reasonable.Any system administrator must have the network topology discovery and networkdiagram creation software. It does not matter if he works in a companyconstantly or he is sent by an outsourcing company to perform particular tasks.It is worth to keep in mind, that availability of the companys networktopology sometimes allows the IT manager to avoid a lot of unpleasant moments,such as downtimes, due to device failures. If the system administrator has the networkdiagram, he always can view where the defective device is and fix the failure quickerand more effectively.
Network,Topology,Discovery,and