Proactive Network Management
Managed Services » Proactive Network Management
Simple network monitoring is the most basic step involved in operating a highly reliable and predictable network. However, proactively managing the network by constantly viewing device characteristics, trending, and performance is essential.
"Managing" the network is a busy task which often requires a staff of specialized individuals. With the highly unpredictable nature of over-the-air interfaces in wireless communications, the need to manage the network becomes an increasingly technical science.
The NetLogix NOC Team is experienced in the necessary blend of IP and RF networks and technologies, which turns out to be a very rare combination despite a very large engineering and broadband talent pool. The ongoing training and education our staff receives is world class (NetLogix provides ongoing training and educational seminars on emerging wireless broadband technologies).
NetLogix Network Management Differentiators
In order to manage wireless broadband networks, fostering very close working relationships with wireless broadband technology and applications vendors is very important, if not an absolute requirement. While forming superficial acquaintances with vendors is one thing, engaging and collaborating with vendors to resolve bugs and develop fixes is the extended level of vendor interaction that is crucial to customer satisfaction.
The differentiators that enable NetLogix to stands out from any other network management services company include:
- Wireless broadband focus
- Municipal wireless applications focus
- Carrier experience and carrier grade performance focus
- Over a decade of experience in wireless network design, deployment, and management
- Over three years of experience in wireless mesh design, deployment, and management
- Complete network end-to-end design, deployment, and management experience
- Licensed and unlicensed networking expertise
- IP and RF internetworking expertise
- VLAN design, configuration, and management expertise
- QoS configuration and management expertise
- WiFi and WiMAX networks expertise
- Video surveillance network management expertise
- Customizable SLAs
- Applications expertise and close working relationships with leading applications vendors
- Vendor certifications with most leading equipment vendors
Incident Prioritization, Notification, & Resolution
NetLogix addresses each incident notification in accordance with the impact on the network. When an incident is recorded and prioritized, the process of resolution is performed according to the NetLogix Incident Classification table. A trouble ticket is generated in the NetLogix Case Management System according to SLA and notification is transmitted to the customer (via email for low or medium incidents).
Additional Network Management services include:
- Change Control Management
- Scheduled Maintenance
- Security Management
- Applications Integration
Change Control Management
NetLogix actively performs changes in network, device, or software configurations based upon service problems. There are thousands of potential issues that may arise at any given moment; therefore, defining each change is extremely difficult to document. Categorizing incidents that require a change in configuration then becomes the only way to systematically make changes on the fly in order to maximize uptime and performance.
Each incident will require a different set of system checks, as well as configuration change processes. Each change is treated based upon potential network impact. They can be as simple as a device reboot or as advanced as reconfiguration of routing tables or device Mibs.
The level of detail in change control configurations is generally dictated by the customer. Basic changes may include notification paths or modifications to contact information. More advanced changes may include changes in device naming conventions, design changes, VLAN configurations, technology change-outs/upgrades, security profile configurations, etc.
Scheduled Maintenance
NetLogix works with its customers on scheduled maintenance windows where configurations may be necessary. In such cases, NetLogix schedules regular maintenance windows (often during off-peak hours) so that any changes will not affect network users.
The number of maintenance changes depends on the service modules provided by NetLogix. In order to limit unnecessary outage notifications to the customer, if scheduled by the client, NetLogix can suspend service until maintenance work has been completed.
Network Monitoring services do not include the management of maintenance. However, NetLogix does offer Network Management and Network Maintenance services. In such cases, NetLogix will manage any changes for all network elements under management.
For the scheduling of maintenance windows, NetLogix will notify the customer at least forty eight (48) hours in advance of maintenance activities.
Security Management
NetLogix offers customizable Security Management services since security requirements can vary by customer – particularly with government or municipal customer networks. NetLogix's security management typically includes services such as device security, virus protection, back-up/restore, content management, parental controls, and disaster recovery.
NetLogix can also implement and remotely manage on-site video surveillance, which can trigger via real-time analytics (such as motion detection).
Applications Management
NetLogix works closely with numerous applications vendors of wireless broadband enabled products and solutions, on either a wholesale, resale, co-marketing, or co-development basis. In order to build applications nodes into network management systems, especially municipal wireless networks, requires an in-depth understanding of the manner in which applications devices perform. NetLogix works with its partners to deliver an enhanced ability to monitor and manage applications. As a result, NetLogix is able to deliver seamless network management.