1.
Describe in details SNMPv1
SNMPv1- Simple Network Management Protocol Version 1.
SNMP is a management protocol commonly used for monitoring network devices and
networking support on end client platforms.
It is a standard protocol defined by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). It is an
application level protocol which has implementations running over both UDP and TCP, the two
most commonly used transport protocols in the Internet.
The operations in SNMP protocol are closely tied to the representation of management data in
the MIB format. A management information base (MIB) is a Simple Network Management
Protocol (SNMP) flat-file, non-relational database that describes devices being monitored.
Network management platforms monitor nodes by reading the value of the managed resources in
the MIB
Management of data in MIBs are represented as a hierarchy of management information entry,
and each entry has a unique identifier.
The SNMP protocol has been defined in three versions:
SNMPv1: The first version of SNMP was standardized in 1990 and supported four basic
operations: Get, GetNext, Set, and Trap. The Get operation is used to read the value of a MIB
entry by specifying its identifier, and the Getnext command could get the next entry on from a
table of entries. The Set command was used to assign values to a specific MIB entry, and Trap
command was used by agents to send a notification to an agent, e.g., a manager can use the Set
command to establish a threshold in a MIB entry, and the agent can send a trap to the manager
when a counter exceeded that threshold.
SNMP v1 used a simple request response model and each Get operation could effectively read a
single entry, leading to a rather chatty protocol for reading the entire management information.
SNMP v1 did not make any provisions for security, leading to most administrators using it only
for monitoring of MIB variables and not for setting any configuration parameters.
SNMP Version 1 (SNMPv1) Message Format
The SNMP General message format was, of course, first used to define the format of messages in
the original SNMP Protocol, SNMP version 1 (SNMPv1). This first version of SNMP is
probably best known for its relative simplicity, compared to the versions that followed it. This is
reflected in its message format, which is quite straight-forward.
The general message format in SNMPv1 is a “wrapper” consisting of a small header and an
encapsulated PDU. Not very many header fields were needed in SNMPv1 because the
community-based security method in SNMPv1 is very rudimentary. Thus, the short overall
format for SNMPv1 messages shown in these tables.
QUESTION 3
OpenNMS and SNMP MIB browsers are two tools commonly used in network management to
monitor and manage network devices. Here's a brief overview of how these tools can be used:
OpenNMS: OpenNMS is a network management platform that can be used to monitor and
manage network devices. It supports a variety of protocols, including SNMP, ICMP, and JMX,
and provides a range of features, including event management, performance monitoring, and
service level agreement (SLA) reporting.
To use OpenNMS, you first need to install and configure the platform. Once you've done that,
you can add the devices you want to monitor by configuring their SNMP settings. OpenNMS
will then use SNMP to collect information from these devices, such as their status, performance
metrics, and configuration settings. You can view this information through the OpenNMS user
interface, which provides a range of dashboards, reports, and alerts to help you manage your
network.
SNMP MIB browsers: SNMP MIB browsers are tools that can be used to explore the
Management Information Base (MIB) of a network device. The MIB is a database of objects that
SNMP can monitor and control, and it provides a standardized way of organizing and describing
network resources.
To use an SNMP MIB browser, you need to connect to the device you want to explore and enter
its SNMP community string, which is a password-like string that provides access to the device's
SNMP agent. Once you've done that, you can use the MIB browser to navigate through the
device's MIB tree and view information about its objects. This information can include
performance metrics, configuration settings, and other parameters that can be monitored and
controlled using SNMP.
Overall, OpenNMS and SNMP MIB browsers are two important tools in network management
that can be used together to monitor and manage network devices. OpenNMS provides a
centralized platform for managing devices, while SNMP MIB browsers provide a way to explore
the MIB of individual devices and access their SNMP capabilities.
5. Using relevant examples, illustrate the importance of the
following laws in network management Utilization’s Law,
Little’s Law, Forced Flow Law.
Utilization Law
In Network Management, utilization Law is a principle that states the amount of traffic a network
can handle is directly related to the amount of available bandwidth.
Utilization law is important in network management because it ensures that resources are used in
the most efficient way possible. It is accomplished by ensuring that prices reflect the true cost of
using a resource.
For instance, if there is a shortage of bandwidth on a network, the price of bandwidth will
increase which will encourage people to use the resource more efficiently.
Little’s Law
Little’s Law states that the average number of customers in a system is equal to the average
number of customers leaving the system per unit of time.
This law is important in network management because it helps to ensure that the network is able
to handle the amount of traffic that is being sent through it by understanding how the number of
customers in a system change over time, network managers can make sure that the network
managers can make sure that the network is able the current load and plan for future growth.
An example of how little’s law can be used in network management is to predict the number of
customers that will be in a system during a given time period thus the information can be used to
plan for network resources that will be needed to handle the expected traffic.
Forced Flow Law
The Forced Flow Law states that the network traffic will flow through the path of least
resistance.
The Forced Flow Law is important in network management because it helps to ensure that data is
sent through the network in an efficient and timely manner. Through enforcing the Forced Flow
Law, network administrators can help to ensure that data is sent through the network in an
orderly and timely fashion thus this can help improve network performance and prevent
congestion from occurring.
An example of this in network management can be seen in the case of large company that is
using a network to connect its office around the world, if the network is not properly managed,
data may not flow through the network in an efficient manner hence leading to congestion and
slow network performance. Through enforcing the forced flow law network administrators can
help to ensure that data packets are sent through the network efficiently therefore improving
network performance.
QUESTION 6: Describe in detail the role of fault
management in network management
Fault management is the component of network management concerned with detecting, isolating
and resolving problems. Network fault management can keep connectivity, applications and
services running at an optimum level, provide fault tolerance and minimize downtime.
Fault management relies on a variety of tools and protocols to monitor network devices and
traffic, identity problems, take corrective actions too. When faults are detected, fault
management systems send alerts to network administrators, who can then take action to resolve
the issue.
Fault management is a critical component of network management. Fault management helps
ensure the reliability and availability of the network services.
Key roles fault management in network management include;
1. Fault Detection: Fault detection is the first step of fault management. It involves
monitoring the network for any changes that can indicate a fault. This can include
changes in bandwidth usage, latency, packet loss, etc. It also involves monitoring the
network devices for any hardware or software errors. The first step in fault management
includes this detection of faults or errors in the network.
2. Fault Isolation: Once a fault has been detected, fault management involves isolating the
source of the fault to determine its basis. This requires a systematic approach to
troubleshooting that involves the collection of information analyzing the logs and
identifying the network elements or systems that are affected.
3. Fault Diagnosis: Fault diagnosis is the second step of fault management. Once a fault has
been detected, its cause must be determined. Fault diagnosis involves analyzing the
symptoms of the fault, such as packet loss or latency, and determining the root cause. The
underlying cause and appropriate remedial action is determined through fault diagnosis.
Network protocols are analyzed, hardware and software configurations and other factors
that may be contributing to the fault.
4. Fault Resolution: Fault resolution is the third step of fault management. Once the cause
of the fault has been determined, the necessary corrective action must be taken. This may
involve reconfiguring the network or replacing faulty hardware or software. After
identifying the cause of the story corrective action to stop the fault is therefore taken.
Repairing and replacing faulty network components is done. Reconfiguring network
settings or implementing software patches or updates. It also requires collaboration
between different teams or vendors, depending on the complexity of the fault.
5. Fault Prevention: Fault prevention is the fourth and final step of fault management. Once
the fault has been resolved, it is important to take steps to prevent similar faults from
occurring in the future. This may involve implementing proactive monitoring tools or
changing network policies. To prevent similar faults from occurring in the future, you
implement best practices for network designs, configurations management, and security.
Regular network monitoring and maintenance to detect and address potential issues
before they become more serious.
In conclusion, fault management is a critical component of network management. It helps ensure
the reliability and availability of the network services and helps reduce downtime. Fault
management has also ensured that one has taken proactive approach to network as well as
maintenance.
7. Describe the following techniques adopted to reduce
configuration challenges in heterogeneous network
environment.
script based configuration
Script-based configuration is a type of computer system configuration in which a script is used to
set up and configure a computer. This type of configuration typically involves the use of a
software program that is designed to run scripts written in a programming language such as
Python, JavaScript, or Bash. The scripts can be used to perform a variety of tasks such as setting
up user accounts, configuring software, and configuring system settings. Script-based
configuration can be used to automate the installation and configuration of software and
hardware, as well as to provide a more efficient way of managing system configurations.
reusing configuration setting in a network
Reusing configuration settings in a network can help to improve efficiency and reduce errors. It
can also help to save time when making changes to the network. For example, if a network
administrator is setting up a new network, they can reuse the same configuration settings from a
previously created network. This can save time in the setup process and ensure that the new
network is set up correctly. Additionally, reusing configuration settings can help to reduce errors,
as the same settings are used across multiple networks, reducing the chances of mistakes being
made.
model based configuration management
Model-based configuration management (MBCM) is a system used to manage configurations of
networking devices. It is an automated process that enables the efficient and consistent
management of network configuration data. MBCM uses a model of the network infrastructure
and its components to ensure that all devices are configured correctly and consistently. It also
provides a centralized platform for monitoring, controlling, and maintaining network
configurations. MBCM enables the configuration of a large number of network components in an
automated fashion. It can also be used to detect configuration drift, which is when network
devices are not configured according to the desired configuration. MBCM can be used to track
changes in configurations, and even alert administrators of any unauthorized changes. In
addition, MBCM provides a centralized platform for managing and auditing configuration data.
This helps ensure that all devices are configured properly and in accordance with security
policies. MBCM can also provide valuable insights into network performance, allowing
administrators to quickly make adjustments if needed.
configuration workflows in the configuration of a more complex environment
1. Establish the scope of the project: Determine the goals, objectives, and timeline for the
project.
2. Gather requirements: Identify the stakeholders and their requirements for the project.
3. Develop the architecture: Design the solution architecture, including the hardware, software,
and network components required.
4. Configure the environment: Configure the hardware, software, and network components
according to the architecture.
5. Test the system: Test the system to ensure that it meets the requirements. 6. Deploy the
system: Deploy the system to the production environment.
7. Monitor and maintain the system: Monitor the system for performance and maintain it
according to best practices.
QUESTION 8
"FastEthernet5/4 is up, line protocol is up": This indicates that the interface is physically
connected and the line protocol is active.
"Hardware is Fast Ethernet, address is 0012.7f8e.e820 (bia 0012.7f8e.e820)": This displays the
type of hardware and the MAC address of the interface.
"Description: Example Interface": This is a user-defined description of the interface.
"MTU 1500 bytes, BW 10000 Kbit, DLY 1000 usec": This shows the Maximum Transmission
Unit (MTU) size, bandwidth (in Kbps), and delay (in microseconds) of the interface.
"reliability 255/255, txload 1/255, rxload 1/255": These values represent the reliability of the
interface, as well as its transmit and receive loads.
"Encapsulation ARPA, loopback not set": This displays the encapsulation method used on the
interface, as well as whether or not loopback is enabled.
"Keepalive set (10 sec)": This indicates the keepalive timer is set to 10 seconds.
"Full-duplex, 10Mb/s, media type is 10/100BaseTX": This shows the current duplex setting,
speed, and media type of the interface.
"input flow-control is off, output flow-control is unsupported": This displays the current flow
control settings for input and output.
"ARP type: ARPA, ARP Timeout 04:00:00": This displays the Address Resolution Protocol
(ARP) type and timeout value.
"Last input 00:00:01, output 00:00:01, output hang never": These values show the last time data
was input and output on the interface, and whether or not there have been any output hangs.
"Last clearing of 'show interface' counters never": This displays the last time the counters were
cleared for this interface.
"Input queue: 0/75/0/0 (size/max/drops/flushes); Total output drops: 0": This shows the current
input queue status, as well as the total number of output drops.
"Queueing strategy: fifo": This indicates the queuing strategy being used for the interface.
"Output queue: 0/40 (size/max)": This shows the current output queue status.
"5 minute input rate 1000 bits/sec, 2 packets/sec": These values show the average input rate over
the past 5 minutes.
"5 minute output rate 1000 bits/sec, 2 packets/sec": These values show the average output rate
over the past 5 minutes.
"10000 packets input, 1000000 bytes, 0 no buffer": This displays the total number of packets
and bytes received on the interface, as well as the number of packets that were not buffered.
"Received 10000 broadcasts (0 multicasts)": This shows the number of broadcast and multicast
packets received on the interface.
"0 runts, 0 giants, 0 throttles": These values indicate the number of runts, giants, and throttles on
the interface.
"0 input errors, 0 CRC, 0 frame, 0 overrun, 0 ignored": These values indicate the number of
input errors, CRC errors, framing errors, overruns, and ignored packets on the interface.
"0 watchdog, 0 multicast, 0 pause input": These values indicate the number of watchdog
timeouts, multicast packets, and pause frames