Question

Define the following terms: managing entity, managed device, management agent, MIB, network management protocol.

Short answer

Managing entity oversees network management. Managed device is monitored by it. Management agent communicates data between them. MIB stores device information. Network management protocol defines communication.

Step-by-step solution

Define Managing Entity

A managing entity is a system or application that oversees network management activities. It is responsible for monitoring network elements, collecting data, and maintaining control over the network. The managing entity generally runs on a server and uses network management protocols to communicate with managed devices.

Define Managed Device

A managed device is any network element that is monitored and controlled by the managing entity. This can include routers, switches, computers, printers, or any other device capable of participating in network management activities.

Define Management Agent

A management agent is software that resides on a managed device and communicates with the managing entity. It collects operational data from the device and responds to requests from the managing entity to perform various tasks or provide status updates.

Define MIB (Management Information Base)

A Management Information Base (MIB) is a database used by managed devices and managing entities to store and manage information about the network elements. It defines the properties of the device data that can be monitored and manipulated, structured hierarchically in a series of objects with unique identifiers.

Define Network Management Protocol

A network management protocol is a standardized method that the managing entity and management agents use to communicate. These protocols define how data is exchanged and the operations available for managing and monitoring network devices. SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is a commonly used example.

Key concepts

Managing Entity

A managing entity plays a crucial role in network management. It acts as the brain of the network management system. This is typically a software application running on a server. The primary function of a managing entity is to oversee and control the network.
It does this by performing various tasks such as monitoring network elements, collecting and analyzing data, and making necessary adjustments to keep the network running smoothly.
The managing entity communicates with devices on the network using specialized protocols such as SNMP. This allows it to retrieve information from and issue commands to managed devices.
Overall, without a managing entity, networks would be much more challenging to supervise effectively.

Managed Device

Managed devices are the crucial components within a network that are monitored and controlled by the managing entity. These devices can include routers, switches, printers, servers, and even computers.

Essentially, any device that participates in the network and is capable of communication and control can be a managed device.
The managing entity relies on management agents placed on these managed devices to gather data and relay communications.
Managed devices are not standalone; they depend on the managing entity for synchronized operation and effective communication within the network.

Management Agent

A management agent acts as the intermediary between the managing entity and the managed device. It is typically a software component embedded in a managed device.

The primary role of a management agent is to collect operational data from the device and keep it ready to send to the managing entity upon request.
Additionally, the management agent listens for commands from the managing entity, enabling it to perform specific actions or provide status updates.
Without management agents, managed devices would not be able to effectively communicate or comply with the managing entity's directives, impairing network management functions.

MIB (Management Information Base)

The Management Information Base (MIB) acts as the comprehensive database used to manage information related to network devices.
It stores the set of identifiable objects defining the data that can be monitored and controlled in a network.

MIBs are structured hierarchically, with each entry identified by a unique identifier.
These identifiers allow both the managing entity and management agents to access and manipulate network data effectively.
MIBs are crucial for ensuring that both hardware and software components can communicate using a standardized database format, ensuring all devices in a network can be seamlessly integrated.
This standardization helps keep networks efficient and easy to manage.

Network Management Protocol

Network management protocols are the languages through which the managing entity and management agents communicate.
They provide a set of rules and conventions for the exchange of information between managed devices and managing entities.

Protocols like SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) outline how data should be formatted, transmitted, and interpreted.
They define operations for managing network devices, including how to query and modify the data stored in MIBs.
Without network management protocols, there would be no common system to facilitate communication among network components, leading to confusion and mismanagement.
Protocols ensure that information is exchanged accurately and management actions are implemented effectively.