Management Networks

[Basher]

Hi guys,

I realise the importance of networks to manage a networks devices, but am not as fully clued up on how these should be implemented. What does a management vlan offer than management subnets do not, and how does combining a management subnet and vlan help/what does it offer to businesses?

Any help would be great

Regards,

James

 

[pdw8]

A management network should really be physically separate to the core network.Based on 6 years experience for a major IP carrier I would suggest the following:

1 - terminal server with pstn backup. All network device console ports are connected to the terminal server meaning you will always have OOB access to each device if the main WAN link was to go down.

2 - Ethernet managed switch. Something like a cisco 2900 series will give you 10/100/1000Mbs speed to an ethernet port on each network device. This means that when you need to upgrade an IOS image it will be a lot faster than trying to upgrade via the 9600 console ports.

Now this is based on using kit that have console and ethernet ports such as cisco routers etc.This ia also primarily used for remote management.