Operations | Monitoring | ITSM | DevOps | Cloud

The Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) sure does pack a punch for something with “simple” in its name, as it literally provides the lifeblood of network monitoring and device communications. Network admins rely heavily on SNMP because nearly every technology manufacturer supports the protocol. And, in turn, it enables them to collect information, configure devices and receive alerts about network performance and issues.

International businesses and near-citywide college campuses require effective network management solutions to minimize downtime, optimize performance and strengthen cybersecurity. In summary, network management helps maintain the efficiency, reliability and security of a local and/or cloud-based network. However, developing a viable network management strategy requires an understanding beyond its actions.

A network map is a visual representation of the devices and connections that make up an IT network. For IT professionals, network maps are essential tools for monitoring performance, troubleshooting issues, enhancing security and planning infrastructure upgrades. There are multiple types of network maps, each serving a specific purpose, ranging from physical layout diagrams to cloud-based and security-oriented architectures.