How To Utilize Fault Management To Keep Network Health Modern day computer products use networks that are ubiquitous naturally. IT administrators manage network health and resources with a wireless home network for complex business networks. Based on change specifications, during the majority of network operation, network communications have the capacity to work reliably and most of the IT responsibility is to add or remove unwanted components. When faults do occur, this is typically rare, where the IT would have to respond quickly in order to prevent a complete shutdown, so decisions have to be appropriately. During this time, IT must have the proper tools for fault management to be able to maintain the health of their system. Causes of Network Faults Step one to fault management is to be aware of the possible causes of the problem. There is a closed set of probable causes to any error, and knowing this helps the IT technician locate the issue. A connector issue is usually the first thing that is looked for because these are normally the likely cause of the breakdown. These are the basic elements of a system with the lowest MTBF. A fault will appear if a connector no longer has a positive connection which generally means it has broken. Another possible source of a fault for wired systems is destruction to the cable. Cables are normally placed to isolate them from facility activity, but if a cable is somehow bent or smashed, a fault will take place. An electronic noise source is yet another possible cause of failure. If a high-powered motor is placed near cables or a network component, the induced noise might swamp the network transmission. In each of these situations, the IT technician must locate the fault area and identify the cause. This is usually the most difficult part of correcting the fault. Once the malfunctioning area is located, the IT tech would swap the cable or remove the source of the noise which is easy compared to other issues which can occur. Fault Localization Although a factory installation may involve miles of cables and hundreds of network components, localizing faults can still be easy. Placing the network components carefully is key, where they are fundamentally acting as gatekeepers. If a failing occurs between Component A and Component B, then a fault between the two will be recorded at one and not the other. In this instance, the detecting component will go into alarm and transmit a signal via SNMP to the IT administrator for resolution. Based on the severity levels and the the area within the facility, the administrator can classify the many signals and alarms appropriately. Fault Correction Fundamentally, malfunctions involving non-critical systems can be fixed with a simple solution of replacing the cables between specific components and re-testing the system. Alternate cable routing is yet another strategy if this doesn't correct the problem. Repetitive routing will be included in even more critical systems. This means that a flaw in one communications path can be compensated by changing to an alternate path. This can be setup to happen automatically, without assistance. At some point the fault would still need to be remedied Centina Systems, Inc.
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How To Utilize Fault Management To Keep Network Health appropriately because eventually this could become a concern and the loss at the faulted route would begin to impact the communications. Management Software One of the most valuable innovations toward fault management is the use of visualization software. A map of the premises often is used that is color coded symbolizing the components and when a fault takes place a flashing signal would activate. Even an inexperienced technician would be able to say without a doubt where the error is and which cable is involved and go right away to the source of the problem, even if they themselves are unable to correct it. This is a tremendous improvement over standard alarm systems, which simply show the name of a faulted component, leaving the tech to try to match the name to the region, all the while losing precious time. Probably the most important parts of a successful management systems is the management software to help locate critical problems swiftly to get the system back up and running productively. With a NetOmnia option that enables you to integrate it into the processes, your fault management systems are more advanced than ever. Drop by http://www.centinasystems.com/ for much more information about Centina Systems.
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Centina Systems, Inc.
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