Recent significant developments in large-scale integration (LSI) and in digital signal-processing techniques have combined to provide the base for a new generation of modems. LSI microprocessors now have the characteristics and performance to provide superior modem function as well as a design base for the addition of new function. The extendability afforded by a microprocessor-based modem design is being increasingly used to provide advanced communications network management functions. This paper describes the design objectives, implementation decisions, and design rationale for implementing these characteristics in the IBM 3863, 3864, and 3865 family of data modems. This network management function, which has been integrated into IBM Communications Network Management (CNM) offerings for IBM's Systems Network Architecture user networks, extends the problem-determination capability to cover the modems and communications lines. Support for this new function has been integrated into the 3705 ACF/NCP/VS control program and the System/370 NPDA program product.

Network problem-determination aids in microprocessor-based modems

Performance measurement and analysis of the behavior of a computer network usually requires the application of multiple software and hardware tools. The location, functionality, data requirements, and other properties of the tools often reflect the distribution of equipment in the network. We describe how we have attempted to organize a collection of tools into a single system that spans a broad subset of the measurement and analysis activities that occur in a complex network of heterogenous computers. The tools are implemented on a pair of dedicated midicomputers. A database management system is used to couple the data collection and analysis tools into a system highly insulated from evolutionary changes in the composition and topology of the network.

A network performance analyst's workbench

A network management architecture called the systems network architecture (SNA) is discussed. SNA contains functions that allow monitoring and control in a physical unit at the network layers. The network management category that is discussed is subnetwork problem management. The subnetwork consists of data communication equipment (DCE), data terminating equipment (DTE), and the transmission medium. Two management tools, network problem determination application (NPDA) and link problem determination aids (LPDA), used in subnetwork problem management determination are discussed. Network problem determination aids contribute to the SNA subnetwork by providing functions that were not available in other communication network management (CNM) products. >

http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/iel2/152/3398/00117961.pdf

Problem management and determination in SNA sub-networks

Network management in distributed control systems

Allgemein wird unter Management die zielgerichtete Koordination der Aktivitaten von Menschen und Menschengruppen verstanden. Im Sinne einer Analogie wurde dieses Begriffsverstandnis im Bereich der Informatik auch auf die Koordination von Hard- und Softwareobjekten ubertragen, die unter Umstanden vollig automatisch ablauft. In diesem Sinne taucht der Begriff “Management” in Wortbildungen wie 


Datenbankmanagement


Softwaremanagement


Systemmanagement



auf. Auch in Produktbezeichnungen wird “Management” gelegentlich in diesem Sinne gebraucht (vgl. z.B. LAN-Manager fur ein Netzbetriebssystem). “Netz- (oder Netzwerk-) management” ist auf die gleiche Weise gebildet worden.

Managementfunktionen und -architekturen

The term management implies the achievement of objectives through effective use of resources. Management style relates to the various approaches used in pursuit of those same objectives. There can be various management tools contributing to an effective management solution. In this article we will be discussing one such tool.

This management tool rejects an approach to communication systems management in which the management functions are physically separated from the host computers driving a communications network. These management functions are packaged on a small IBM processor base (i.e., sidestream processor) and designed for use in a centralized network management center environment. The management functions included in this sidestream processor tool relate to problem management, change management, project scheduling and tracking, network control, and network configuration.

R. D. Campenni

Papers

A sidestream approach using a small processor as a tool for managing communication systems