Introduction to Networking

Unit 1

Lesson 3 - Software

Network Management Software

A network also requires software to manage and maintain the network itself. This type of software differs from application software in the fact that these programs are not used for individual productivity.

Network management and utility software is typically used by network administrators and information systems personnel. Communication and management software includes:

	Network security utilities
	Network management tools
	Network remote access services
	Network backup and recovery utilities

Network Security Utilities

In its broadest sense, network security means that network users have access to only the information and systems necessary to do their jobs. For example, only Human Resources personnel or supervisors should be able to view confidential employee records, and only the network administrators should be able to access the applications that control the network itself. NOSs include features to establish this level of security.

However, a network must also be protected from intentional attack from inside or outside an organization. Most businesses fail to recognize that the data flowing over their networks is an extremely valuable asset that is often easily accessible and exposed to various threats. Network security specialists classify these threats as follows:

	Criminal hackers (crackers)--Insiders or outsiders motivated by the thrill of breaching a secure system without detection. Crackers tend to be more concerned about developing subtle techniques for penetrating systems and are not necessarily interested in stealing data. In contrast, the term "hacker" generally refers to a highly skilled and clever programmer.
	Script kiddies--Unskilled intruders, often teenagers, who use readily-available programs or methods to exploit known weaknesses in Internet hosts. Unlike hackers, script kiddies have little understanding of the systems they penetrate and are more interested in getting attention.
	Bandits--Insiders or outsiders who use hacking techniques to steal data or disrupt systems for personal gain.
	Trojan horses--Covert programs hidden in system or application software that wait to suddenly destroy information using predetermined parameters. Once inside a system, some Trojan horses can also use e-mail messages to transmit confidential data out of an organization.
	Viruses--Self-replicating destructive programs designed to damage systems and networks by eroding executable programs until they are unusable.

Network security utilities are designed to prevent one or more of these threats. To prevent network failures and damage to an organization's assets, network administrators and information system managers often implement multiple layers of security utilities and other defenses.

Network Management Tools

Network management tools generally consist of the following functions:

	Configuration tools shape a network into logical areas, assign addresses to computers, and perform other organizational tasks.
	Troubleshooting tools measure network traffic and other conditions to help an administrator track down the cause of a problem.
	Event notification tools automatically alert an administrator when certain types of conditions occur. Network devices that use the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) can be configured to notify the administrator of potential problems before they disrupt the network. (Protocols are discussed in the next unit.)

	Metrics and planning tools measure current network conditions and simulate the effect of proposed changes. For example, these tools can estimate how much traffic a network will carry if 50 more users are added.

Depending on the size and complexity of a network, these categories are all necessary to some degree.

Remote Access Services

Not only do users expect to have computers at their desks, but they also expect to have remote network connectivity. Print services, file services, and other special local area network (LAN) applications are essential for telecommuters, traveling professionals, and mobile users. The ability to work anywhere at any time is creating the need for secure remote LAN access.

Early remote access methods merely took control of a dedicated PC on a corporate network; however, this solution is very inefficient. More recently, network modems and multiuser communication servers have emerged to provide more efficient and secure access to an organization's electronic resources and network services.

Backup and Recovery Utilities

The information stored on servers and individual hard drives is the lifeblood of a company. The loss of critical information can be devastating. Therefore, a network manager is usually responsible for ensuring that all company data is regularly backed up and safely stored, and that procedures are in place to restore that data quickly in case of a disaster or emergency.

Backup and recovery software simplifies this important process by allowing an administrator to automatically run a complete system backup when the network is unused or lightly used, often in the middle of the night.

Activities

See the Activities and Extended Activities section in Unit 1 Lesson 3 in your textbook Introduction to Networking to test what you have learned so far.

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