Network Alarm Monitoring

Network alarm monitoring helps identify network problems.

Network alarm monitoring, or proactively searching an electronic network for faults, offers a number of benefits for network service providers and customers alike. Network monitoring typically relies on the simple network management (SNMP) protocol and can manage a variety of connected devices.

Function

Most network alarm monitoring applications rely on SNMP according to the Network Startup Resource Center. SNMP works by discovering information stored in a configuration file on monitored devices. A device hosting a management information base (MIB) initiates regular and periodic SNMP checks on those devices; during each contact, SNMP requests information from the device, evaluates it, then returns an alarm if it receives unexpected data or no response.

Equipment

According to a network alarm monitoring white paper from the equipment manufacturer, DPS Telecom, service providers should actively monitor several types of equipment. Telecommunication companies should monitor their transport equipment, SONET devices, fiber terminals, switches and routers. Networking companies should also monitor components of their power supply systems and network service providers may want to monitor networked temperature sensors, fire alarms and other environmental devices.

Benefits

Network alarm monitoring can help service providers quickly identify network trouble and minimize customer service interruptions. This type of monitoring can help users respond to faulty devices more quickly, reducing the duration of service interruptions.

References

• Network Startup Resource Center: Network Monitoring Systems
• DPS Telecom: Network Alarm Monitoring Fundamentals
• Ennovatus: How to Easily Mediate TBOS Alarms to Your SNMP Alarm Monitoring System