Top 10 Best Practices for Computer Network Management in 2022

Network management is the process of configuring, monitoring, and troubleshooting everything that pertains to a network, be it hardware, software, or connections. The five functional areas of network management are fault management, configuration management, performance management, security management, and (user) accounting management. Computer networks can quickly become unruly mammoths if not designed and maintained from the beginning. Here are the top 10 practices for proper computer network management.

1. Pick the right topology

Network topology is the pattern or hierarchy in which nodes are connected to each other. The topology can speed up, slow down, or even break the network based on the company’s infrastructure and requirements. Before setting up a network from scratch, network architects must choose the right one. Some common topologies include:

Bus network: Each node is linked to only one other node.

Ring network: Each node is linked to two other nodes, thus forming a ring.

Mesh network: Each node must strive to be connected to every other node in the system.

Star network: A central node server is linked to multiple other nodes. This is faster since data doesn’t have to

Travel through each node.

Tree network: Here, nodes are arranged in hierarchies.

2. Document & update constantly

Documentation of the network is vital since it is the backbone of operations. The documentation must include:

1. Technical specifications of equipment, including wires, cables, and connectors

2. Hardware

3. The software used to enable the hardware and the smooth and secure flow of data

4. Firmware

5. A formal record of policies and procedures with respect to network operators and users

This must be audited at scheduled intervals or during rehearsals. Not only does this make network management easier, but it also allows for smoother compliance audits.

3. Use the right tools

The network topology is just the first step toward building a robust network. To manage a highly available and reliant network, the appropriate tools must be placed at the right locations. Must-have tools in a network are:

Network monitoring solutions: A network monitoring solution gives complete visibility into the network. Visual maps help gauge network performance. It can track packets, provide a granular look into network traffic, and help spot anomalies. Newer monitoring systems leverage artificial intelligence to predict scaling requirements and cyber threats using historic and real-time data.

Security solutions: Firewalls, content filtering systems, intrusion detection and prevention systems—these are all tools that safeguard networks that are carrying increasingly sensitive loads. No network is complete without them. However, just acquiring these tools is not enough. They must also be properly placed within the network. For example, a firewall must be placed at every network junction. Anti-DDoS devices must be placed at the perimeters of the network. Load balancers need to be placed at strategic locations based on the infrastructure, such as before a cluster of database servers. This must be an explicit part of the network architecture.

4. Establish baseline network & abnormal behavior:

A baseline allows admins to know how the network normally behaves in terms of traffic, user accesses, etc. With an established baseline, alerts can be set up in appropriate places to flag anomalies immediately. The normal range of behavior must be documented at both, user and organizational levels. Data required for the baseline can be acquired from routers, switches, firewalls, wireless APs, sniffers, and dedicated collectors.

5. Protect the network from insider threats:

Firewalls and intrusion prevention systems ensure that bad actors remain out of the network. However, insider threats need to be addressed as well, particularly with cybercriminals targeting those with access to the network using various social engineering ploys. One way of doing this is to operate on a least-privilege model for access management and control. Another is to use stronger authentication mechanisms, such as single sign-on (SSO) and two-factor authentication (2FA). Besides this, employees also need to undergo regular training to deal with security threats. Proper escalation processes must be documented and circulated widely.

6. Use multiple vendors for added security:

While it makes sense to stick to one hardware vendor, a diverse range of network security tools is a major plus for a large network. Security is a dynamic and ever-involving landscape. Hardware advancements are rapid, and cyber threats also evolve with them. It is impossible for one vendor to be up-to-date on all threats. Additionally, different intrusion detection solutions use different detection algorithms. A good mix of these tools strengthens security; however, you must ensure that they are compatible and allow for common logging and interfacing.

7. Segregate the network:

Enterprise networks can become large and clunky. Segregation allows them to be divided into logical or functional units, called zones. Segregation is usually done using switches, routers, and virtual LAN solutions. One advantage of a segregated network is that it reduces potential damage from a cyberattack and keeps critical resources out of harm’s way. Another plus is that it allows for more functional classification of networks, such as separating programmer needs from human resources needs.

8. Use centralized logging:

Centralized logs are key to capturing an overall view of the network. Immediate log analysis can help the security team flag suspicious logins and IT admin teams to spot overwhelmed systems in the network.

9. Consider using honeypots & honey nets:

Honeypots are separate systems that appear to have legitimate processes and data, but are actually a decoy for insider and outsider threats. Any breach of this system does not cause the loss of any real data. A honey net is a fake network segment for the same cause. While this may come at an additional cost to the network, it allows the security team to keep an eye out for malicious players and make appropriate adjustments.

10. Automate wherever possible:

New devices are added to systems regularly, and old ones are retired. Users and access controls keep changing frequently. All of these must be automated to ensure that human error does not occur and there are no vulnerable zombie systems in the network, costing money and security. Automation with respect to security is also crucial. It is a good practice to automate responses to attacks, including blocking IP addresses, terminating connections, and gathering additional information about attacks.