FCAPS Paper

When dealing with network management systems, reference models are developed to ensure that all aspects of network management have been taken care of during the management process. In other words, the models exist as a conceptual way of looking at, and breaking the network down into smaller, more manageable pieces. One of the most popular, and widely used and accepted network management reference models today is the FCAPS reference model. FCAPS stands Fault management, Configuration management, Accounting management, Performance management, and Security management. This paper will go into some detail to explain these management concepts as they relate to network management. The first management concept in the FCAPS model is fault management. Implementation of fault management ensures that the network continues to operate in the way that it was intended, and that corrective measures react appropriately when it does not. Faults can be described as any event that has a negative effect on or to the network. According to the Network Management Systems web site, “The goal of the fault management is to recognize the fault, isolate the fault, correct the fault and log the faults that occur in the network. Usually when a fault occurs, a network component will send a notification to the network operator so the process can be started to determine what the fault is and what caused it.” (Network Management Systems Nms). The second concept in the FCAPS model is configuration management. Configuration management deals with a wide range of configuration information. For example, configuration management is concerned not only with the initial configuration of all managed devices so that they can connect to the network, but also any additional configuration changes that occur later. Besides the configuration of devices, some services also require configuration so that those end-users who require them can access them. An example of this might be configuring an application server to allow access to certain applications by a new employee. The third management concept described in the FCAPS model is accounting management. The word accounting typically conjures up ideas of finances and billing information, and while this can be the case for some service providers, it can also refers to the accountability of resources used and consumed in the management of a network. A major purpose of maintaining this information is to be able to show cost-effectiveness or efficiency and ROI of certain devices and services offered through and by the network. The fourth management concept associated with the FCAPS models is performance management. As stated on the Network Dictionary website, the purpose of performance management is, “To measure and make available various aspects of network performance for network performance monitoring and optimization. The network performance variables include network throughput, user response times, and line utilization.” (Network Dictionary, 2011). By monitoring these variables, changes can be made to the network so that a high level of quality can be attained and maintained in the networks’ functions and services. The final management function derived from the FCAPS model is security management. Security management deals with any management operations relating to the security of your network from anyone who would do harm to or with it, whether maliciously or accidently. In simple terms, this means securing your network by not allowing anyone access without proper authentication. This not only means preventing hackers from entering your system, but also Fig. 1 - Network Management FCAPS and TMN Model

Fig. 1 - Network Management FCAPS and TMN Model

preventing employees from accessing information on the network that they do not need access to, such as configuration files. According to the Network Dictionary website, “FCAPS is an extension of the popular network management conceptual frameworks called Telecommunication Management Network (TMN), which describes network management in 4 layers. Each TMN layer needs to perform some or all FCAPS functions in certain ways.” (Network Dictionary, 2011). This idea becomes more apparent by looking at figure 1(above). Additionally, many of the network management reference models appear to overlap or at least coincide with one another. This is not surprising considering the general ideas presented by those models are considered as having relevance in all aspects of network management.

Works Cited

Network Dictionary. (2011). FCAPS: Network Management Functional Model. Retrieved November 12, 2011, from Network Dictionary Web site: http://www.networkdictionary.com/networking/FCAPS.php
Network Management Systems Nms. (n.d.). Fcaps Network Management - Protocols, IT Professionals, Analysis, Systems and Networks. Retrieved November 12, 2011, from Network Management Systems Nms Web site.