Just as networks are growing in terms of need, complexity, and scope, the challenging new problems in network management are also increasing and intensifying. This book for practicing network engineers, designers, and managers focuses on managing switched LANs, plus the key elements of traditional network management. Valuable chapters cover troubleshooting network problems, selecting switched LAN management tools, network design, and how to develop a network management system. Network managers will learn techniques on how to identify potential problems on a network -- before serious trouble begins.

The key management aspects are explained, along with the standards, networking technologies (Ethernet, FDDI, Token Ring, ATM), switching, managing common routing protocols, WAN connections, and VLANs. Black includes information on emerging technologies including IP switching, tag switching, gigabit ethernet, traffic management and RSVP, IPrb, and IP Multicast. In addition, the book is written in a lively cookbook style and gives many pragmatic, real world comparisons.