Nortel Networks` Optivity Network Configuration System (NCS) 2.1, a new management tool for LAN/WAN configuration, simplifies network administration while simultaneously providing enhanced functionality.
NCS 2.1 is a key component of the company`s Unified Management solution, focusing on simplifying network management and managing the network as a system by offering multi-service, multi-vendor, network-wide configuration.
According to Wayne Venter, post-sales engineer of Nortel Networks` Enterprise Solutions line of business in South Africa, the new virtual local area networks (VLAN) configuration wizard in NCS 2.1 walks the user through configuring the various VLAN parameters of Layer 2 and Layer 3 switches, saving time and avoiding erroneous configurations.
"Furthermore, Optivity NCS 2.1 now supports port, policy, subnet and MAC-based VLANs for Nortels` Accelar and Baystack switches and protocol sensitive VLANs for Centillion asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) switches," he says. "This capability supplements the product`s existing VLAN support for Nortel Networks and Cisco routers."
The new packet filter feature in NCS 2.1 changes the tedious job of controlling traffic across the network and makes it easier. The packet filter function enables network filters to be configured once and automatically distributed to the network devices, saving time and simplifying the configuration and management of the network. NCS 2.1 also offers a new proactive approach to supporting future policy-enabled services and the allocation of resources, thereby better meeting the demands of mission-critical business applications.
New to NCS 2.1 is configuration support for Multilink Trunking (MLT), which enables customers to combine ports to increase bandwidth between Nortel Networks` Centillion line of ATM LAN switches.
"Centillion customers will now be able to configure MLT simply by dragging and dropping the appropriate ports on to the MLT icon," Venter says. "By also applying this drag and drop configuration technique to conversation steering, NCS 2.1 simplifies troubleshooting by eliminating the intricate process of configuring port mirroring for traffic analysis."
As criticality of the network grows within today`s networked economy, maintaining network "up-time" becomes a top goal for all network managers. To support this goal, the NCS 2.1 scheduler function offers automatic configuration updates to be made across the entire network during off-peak hours, limiting the amount of network disruption experienced by the network users.
In addition, the File Management and Image Archive functions now enable customers to track the version of software that each device in the network is running and perform bulk software updates when necessary. New devices supported within File Management and Image Archive include the Nortel Networks Passport 44xx multi-service switch, RMON Pocket Probes, and Nautica series of remote access devices, as well as Cisco routers.
As part of the Nortel Networks Unified Management strategy, NCS 2.1 can now be launched from within the recently released Optivity Network Management System (NMS) 9.0. Facilitating the convergence of network management, both NMS and NCS share the Optivity Integration Toolkit (OIT) concept for adding module device support, without recompilation. The OIT permits day-one device support within Optivity, eliminating the lag commonly associated with adding management support for new, next generation hardware.
Nortel Networks delivers value to customers around the world through Unified Networks solutions, spanning mission-critical telephony and IP-optimized networks. Customers include public and private enterprises and institutions; Internet service providers; local, long-distance, cellular and PCS communications companies, cable television carriers, and utilities. Nortel Networks` common shares are listed on the New York, Toronto, Montreal and London stock exchanges. Nortel Networks had 1998 revenues of US$17.6 billion and has approximately 70,000 employees worldwide.
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