subject: One Of The Little Things That Makes Computer Networking Possible [print this page] One Of The Little Things That Makes Computer Networking Possible
The immense power of the internet lies in its ability to connect computers everywhere instantly. The virtual demolition of the barriers of distance and time continue to open up new ways of doing things in every field. Behind the immensity of the internet revolution, there are thousands of tiny technological advancements that have been linked together making it all possible. Most of them on their own are quite practical and not all that amazing. One example is out of band management.
Out of band management refers to a separate information channel offering independent access to a computer network. This allows a computer technician to monitor and service the network remotely, even if the entire network is down. This technology has become an important component of any large communications web because it allows the network to be monitored and serviced from a decentralized location. This is immensely important because it means that a network can functionally include assets anywhere, so that growth possibilities become almost infinite.
Usually integrated into the console server device that acts as the hub for a computer network, the out of band management channel is physically isolated from the main data channels. In modern applications, console servers incorporate anywhere from 1 to 48 data streams and other features like encryption. In the early days, telecommunications companies offered Ethernet-based out of band connection as a subscription service. New technologies, however, have made independent management increasingly common. Nowadays, many big companies have dedicated departments that monitor and maintain the computer network and its components.
The ability to manage complex networks has been refined to the point that servers now provide very stable and predictable service. In house control of powerful networks is now a huge asset to companies in every industry and effects operating procedures from call centers to billing departments. It has made international teamwork between companies as routine as stepping into the conference room. This kind of complex networking is one of the big reasons that "global" has become the watchword of the moment.
Beyond simple connectivity, newer out of band management systems include an event log that records all operations on all systems. This allows technicians to scan the entire history of hundreds of systems simultaneously in order to diagnose problems and make corrections. Most systems now employ an effective combination of connection types to diverse servers in order to maximize stability.
The more complex these systems are, the more difficult installation and maintenance of system components become, ironically, as companies become more and more decentralized, they increase the need for on the ground technicians who can visit the physical locations of network equipment. Regardless, there is little doubt that computer networks will continue to expand in complexity and application. Out of band management is one tiny change that has made all the rest possible.
