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I want some advise about network management tools
- Thread starter ninghi
- Start date
We use Ciscoworks 2000 and I have never been impressed with it . It's slow and as a network monitoring tool it is so so . It is useful if you have to make occasial mass config changes such as passwords to a large number of "cisco" devices . For total network management I believe there are better choices out there .
Narizz28
MIS
- Mar 8, 2001
- 161
I am using MRTG for bandwidth statistics, and two low-cost monitoring tools, WhatsUp by IPSwitch, and Kiwi Syslog Deamon. All three are running on a cheaper Dell PowerEdge 650.
Using What'sUp, you can Ping poll the interface of distant devices, as well as watch from specific services on servers like SMTP, HTTP, WINS, etc. You can also using alternate polling methods like telnet for devices that do not answer ICMP requests. I also set it to notify me via email to my cell phone if anything misses 4 consecurive polls. Obviously this would not work if it's the mail server or internet connection is down, but it does have the ability to dial out and send TAP messages, or if a Voice Modem is installed, it can call a number and play a prerecorded message. All alerts can be defined on a per device basis.
Using KIWI, I can slip the Syslog messages of choice (what type, level, etc) into my SQL database for reporting, internet usage, etc.
Using What'sUp, you can Ping poll the interface of distant devices, as well as watch from specific services on servers like SMTP, HTTP, WINS, etc. You can also using alternate polling methods like telnet for devices that do not answer ICMP requests. I also set it to notify me via email to my cell phone if anything misses 4 consecurive polls. Obviously this would not work if it's the mail server or internet connection is down, but it does have the ability to dial out and send TAP messages, or if a Voice Modem is installed, it can call a number and play a prerecorded message. All alerts can be defined on a per device basis.
Using KIWI, I can slip the Syslog messages of choice (what type, level, etc) into my SQL database for reporting, internet usage, etc.
I'm using Nagios ( Cacti ( a frontend to RRDTOOL), and NMIS (
Nagios performs ping, service and security checks, and also checks the performance data in some of Cacti's databases. Cacti gives nice customizable graphs. NMIS duplicates some of Cacti's information, but is great for routers and network segments.
Nagios performs ping, service and security checks, and also checks the performance data in some of Cacti's databases. Cacti gives nice customizable graphs. NMIS duplicates some of Cacti's information, but is great for routers and network segments.
Narizz28
MIS
- Mar 8, 2001
- 161
I also meant to add that with MRTG, you can graph just about anything that you can poll via SNMP. Just modify the OID you're polling and you can capture server disk utilization, fan speed, processor utilization, etc. If it's a statistic and you can see it on GetIf, you can graph it.
Our company uses HP-Openview in custom combination with Netcool and VitalSuite for our bandwidth monitoring. We tested/POC'd MRTG, WhatsUpGold, ePro, Tively, etc., etc. We found these to be the best of breed for our uses. We manage over 7500 devices and circuits worldwide.
HP Openview/ Netcool is the best for a full Noc operation. However, you really need to know what your doing with HP Openview. It can be a large undertaking. It is deisgned for large networks with full staffed NOC's. Netcool with all it's added packages is also wonderful for Large NOC's.
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