Analysis and Evaluation of Network Management Solutions : A Comparison of Network Management Solutions Suitable for Networks with 2,500+ Devices

Abstract: Some companies today are using sub-optimal and nearly obsolete management systems for their networks. Given the large number of different services that are demanded by users, there is a need to adapt the network structure to support the current and potential future demands. As a result, there is a need for new Network Management Solutions (NMSs). The aim of this thesis project is to help a company who uses a NMS called Local Area Network (LAN) Management Solution (LMS). LMS was designed by Cisco for managing LAN networks. However, the company’s demands are growing and they need to expand their network more than expected. Moreover, LMS is designed to only support devices by Cisco, whereas the company wants a universal solution with wide device support from many manufacturers. This thesis presents an analysis of their current system and suggests potential solutions for an upgrade that will meet all of the company’s demands and will have a long operating life. To help find reasonable solutions a thorough evaluation of their existing NMS and network monitoring and management needs was made.  This evaluation gave good insights into different aspects of their system. A reasonable solution was found by following a three-step approach, beginning with 82 possible solutions, filtering out and breaking down with each step, until only the most suitable NMS was left. Two NMSs has been proposed as equally suitable replacements: IBM Tivoli Netcool/OMNIbus and ManageEngine OpManager. Regardless of which one is chosen, they both have the following advantages over the company’s existing NMS: they are very stable solutions which can handle a large number of managed devices; they are universal solutions with wide device support, and the company can add custom support if needed; they are user-friendly with the ability to add custom interfaces; and they both have a professional first-line technical support department locally located.