VINES: Distributed algorithms for a web-based distributed network management system

Abstract

Rapid growth in networks and related services have resulted in demands for more effective, accessible, intelligent and scalable network management systems. Not only managers but also users need access to network management information. Traditional network management architectures are utterly inadequate to meet these requirements. In this work we describe VINES - a next generation network management system that builds on state-of-the-art technolgy and latest results. VINES uses a new web-based management architecture, that is intelligent and distributed. A set of Management Domain Servers, implementing an elaborate access control mechanism, allows access to management information without compromising security. To realize the new architecture a new knowledge base framework is designed, highly effective detection and diagnosis algorithms are employed, and the resilience of the management system to network failures is ensured. The results of an experimental prototype are discussed.