There are five levels, called the fault-management level (F), the configuration level (C), the accounting level (A), the performance level (P), and the security level (S). At the F level, network problems are found and corrected. Potential future problems are identified, and steps are taken to prevent them from occurring or recurring. In this way, the network is kept operational, and downtime is minimized. At the C level, network operation is monitored and controlled. Hardware and programming changes, including the addition of new equipment and programs, modification of existing systems, and removal of obsolete systems and programs, are coordinated. An inventory of equipment and programs is kept and updated regularly. The A level, which might also be called the allocation level, is devoted to distributing resources optimally and fairly among network subscribers. This makes the most effective use of the systems available, minimizing the cost of operation. This level is also responsible for ensuring that users are billed appropriately. The P level is involved with managing the overall performance of the network. Throughput is maximized, bottlenecks are avoided, and potential problems are identified. A major part of the effort is to identify which improvements will yield the greatest overall performance enhancement. At the S level, the network is protected against hackers, unauthorized users, and physical or electronic sabotage. Confidentiality of user information is maintained where necessary or warranted. The security systems also allow network administrators to control what each individual authorized user can (and cannot) do with the system. Since, organizations depend increasingly on Information Technology (IT) for achieving business objective; it is expedient for network managers to be conversant with network management models that are capable of managing scalable networks to minimize downtime. However, the ability to identify potential problems and resolve same rapidly in an attempt to reduce Mean Time To Repair (MTTR) i.e., the time it takes to fix a faulty system or component is a hallmark of proactive network management initiative necessary for a sustained IT services to an organization. This initiative is achieved by deploying good network management model. This study therefore, attempts to X-ray the operational structure of FCAPS (Fault, Configuration, Accounting, Performance, Security) network management model and ITIL service management framework and a mapping of their approaches and how they relate to each other in providing sustained IT service for organizations business improvement.
Enterprises deploy network management platforms to efficiently manage infrastructures, which comprise multi-vendor network components. Detection of problems in a network is a crucial aspect as it determines the network performance. Network management platform is the lynchpin in network operations for identifying defects in the network infrastructure. The platform has the capability to receive events from the diverse network elements and then processes them. It can also include events from critical resources and servers. A standard network management platform generally has function including network discovery, event handler, performance data collector, grapher, topology mapping of network elements, management data browser. It is possible for network operators to monitor the operational status of routers, switches, etc. in a network, which are critical network elements.