Network management is a broad expression. Mostly when you speak about network management you do not assume just the network but also all equipment connected to it ant its software.

The most common network management protocol today is SNMP (Simple network management protocol). It has just like many other thing had lack of security but has developed and matured over time with new versions. From the first really "simple" version 1 to version 2 and today version 3 with possibilities for authentication. Due to the widely spread of Microsoft software the popularity protocol WMI (Windows management protocol) is also widely used today.

SNMP is a technology assuming that the management system ask questions to the equipment, the valid question is predefined in a database called the MIB (Management Information database). There is standard MIB:s implemented in all management stations but also proprietary MIB:s that can be achieved from the vendor and imported to the stations database. The database has a hierarchical tree structure defining different standards and vendors.

Management system using SNMP used to be quite complex and has taken a relatively high competence to startup. This together with the security flaws have has a result that developed management system is mostly used in large network with a full time employed engineer handling it. With the development of new user interfaces and better software it is possible for anyone to startup and configure a good management system that doesn't need to cost a fortune. A good such example is Ipswitchs Whatsup Gold.

For a long time there was only management tools available that scaled well and was purposed for professional use and consequently very expensive. Lately their has emerged a lot of really good and price worthy alternative. Network Tools has evaluate different systems and adopted the best in it's portfolio. You can find them on our product pages.