Do you like to make network maps? If you do, that’s great, but for most of us who work in network management, that’s not the case. Toiling away in Visio or other network diagramming software packages is tedious and time consuming. Especially if you’re detailed and want to do it right. So what are your options? Other than delegating the task to someone else, you need to find solutions that allow you to properly map your network.
But let’s not downplay how important network mapping is to your organization. You’re going to need it, and it is very possible that certain job requirements in your organization may even demand it.
That’s where dynamic network mapping comes in. It is hard to try to keep track of all of the changes that are happening in your network not only week by week, but also day by day. Technology changes so fast that it’s difficult to stay on top of all the new network devices being installed on your network. This is even more apparent when you have a large, distributed networking group.
So what can you do? Other than having a dedicated librarian that can keep track of all the changes, you can utilize new network mapping technology. It is now possible to use software tools that allow you to properly keep track of your network, even giving you files that you can send to your plotter and print out every day.
Many network performance management software suites now allow you to do this, and they are already integrated into the software features you expect: consistent monitoring, alerting features and dashboard displays that keep you on top of your game.
If your company is already using a package like this, you may want to consider upgrading to the latest version. You might be surprised by how new features available with a simple software update can save you tons of time. If not, you’re missing out on a lot of information that you could be using to optimize your network.