Network Management and Converged Networks: Pros and Cons

Introduction to Network Management

Information technology management is a major concern for organizations throughout the world. As an aspect of information technology management, network management has become an essential component in ensuring that information is transferred in a secure and timely manner. This paper examines network management as it pertains to a converged network — that is, one that carries voice, data, and video. It discusses how converged networks operate and the advantages and disadvantages associated with implementing such networks.

Network management is defined as "the broad subject of managing computer networks. A wide variety of hardware and software products assist in managing networks. Network management areas include security, performance, and reliability" ("Network Management"). The importance of proper network management cannot be overemphasized as it pertains to ensuring that organizations are able to handle the computer networks under their control (Dong et al.). Such management allows organizations to meet the demands associated with business or organizational goals. Proper network management also ensures that customers and clients are serviced in a timely manner and that their information remains secure.

Network management also involves guaranteeing that a business or organization has access to the latest technologies as they pertain to networking and network features. At the present time, the concept and implementation of converged networks has become popular for organizations both large and small.

How Converged Networks Operate

To ensure that organizational networking needs are met, network management must incorporate converged networks. According to a report published by the United States General Accounting Office, converged networks have permitted networks that were once separate — such as voice and data — to merge. These next-generation networks have the capacity to transmit voice and data over the same infrastructure. The Voice and Data Communication Handbook explains that converged networks have the potential to become virtual cubicles, available in both offices and homes. Features such as remote business voice will allow employees to access the same type of voice and data transmission at home that is available in the office environment (Bates, 2007).

Such a network also gives employees working from home access to features such as the corporate intranet and private branch exchange (Bates, 2007). The handbook further notes that most industries still rely on separate voice and data networks because they remain more secure and reliable than converged networks (Bates, 2007). However, it is anticipated that in coming years technology and security options will continue to progress, making converged networks more reliable.

Converged networks are most essential for organizations that deal with emergency response. These organizations require voice, data, and video communication to ensure they can assist people in need. It is therefore important that organizations understand the purpose a converged network serves and the advantages and disadvantages of deploying one.

A critical aspect of converged networks is Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). This mechanism is essential because it allows networks to communicate over the internet instead of through traditional phone lines. VoIP is a type of telephony service that is wireless, fast, and convenient. Because VoIP allows the client to make calls through the internet rather than phone lines, it is advantageous to organizations that implement the technology. The advantages include improved efficiency and decreased cost.

The Role of VoIP in Converged Networks

As Johnston explains:

"VoIP call charges are a result of open-market competition, unlike the higher, heavily regulated rates for traditional phone services. And new products, such as computer telephony integration, boost efficiency by passing information seamlessly from a telephone to a customer service representative's computer. Regardless of whether you're planning a smaller phone system for an office or a larger one for an entire organization, a VoIP system will cut per-call costs and reduce reliance on hardware that must be replaced periodically" (Johnston, pg. 95).

VoIP is important to the implementation of converged networks because it provides the mechanism that allows the converged network to operate. VoIP, together with software programs such as Skype, allows people in separate locations to communicate using both video and audio (Godwin-Jones). This communication takes place over a converged network.

Conclusion

The research suggests that converged networks are emerging as an organizational norm. Such networks are convenient and cost-effective — their popularity exists because they allow businesses and organizations to cut costs dramatically. Such reductions lead to greater profitability for businesses and the ability to reduce costs across other types of organizations. In addition, converged networks are easier to manage because they combine various functions into a single network.