Web-based Management

What is Web-based Management?

 

Web-Based Management, referred to as WBM, a new network management mode, the integration of network management technology, allowing network managers to use any kind of Web browser, in any node of the network to easily and quickly configure, control, as well as access to the network and its various parts. A more direct and easier-to-use graphical interface than traditional network management, thus reducing the special requirements for network management operators and maintenance personnel.

   

Features of Web-based Management

  

Mobility

The mobility of Web-based network management allows administrators to monitor and control the internal network from any network workstation on the Intranet using any Web browser. For providers of network management systems, a management system implemented on a single platform can be accessed from any computer with a Web browser installed, regardless of whether that computer is a server or a dedicated workstation or a regular PC, and regardless of the type of operating system.

 

Unified program interface

Network administrators do not have to learn and use the operating interfaces of different vendors' network management system programmes as in the past, but rather operate through a simple and very familiar Web browser to complete the tasks of network administrators.

   

Platform Independence

WBM applications can be used in a variety of environments, including different operating systems, architectures and network protocols, without the need for system migration.

 

Seamless Connectivity

Network management systems can be seamlessly connected to each other. Network administrators can switch between different management systems through a browser, allowing the two systems to smoothly integrate with each other to form a whole.

  

WBM Implementations

  

There are two basic implementation solutions for web-based network management. One is an agent-based solution and the other is an embedded solution.

 

Agent-based WBM Solution

  

Agent-based WBM solution is to superimpose a webserver on top of the network management platform to make it become the agent of network management for the browser user. The network management platform communicates with the managed devices, collects, filters, and processes all kinds of management information, and maintains the database of the network management platform through SNMP or CMIP.

 

Embedded WBM Solution

  

Embedded WBM solution is to embed the web capability into the managed devices. Each device has its own web address, enabling managers to access and manage it directly through a browser and HTTP protocol.

  

Benefits of WBM

   

WBM combines Web functionality with network management technology to provide network administrators with more powerful capabilities than traditional tools. Managers using WBM can monitor and control the company's network from any Web browser, at any site, so they are no longer confined to their network management workstations, and thus can solve many interoperability problems arising from multi-platform architecture. Browser operations and Web pages are very familiar to WWW users, so the result of WBM is bound to both reduce the cost of training the entire MIS and promote the use of more users to take advantage of the network operation status information.

    

In addition, WBM is an ideal method for distributing network operations information. For example, by connecting to a dedicated IntranetWeb site via a browser, users are able to access network and service updates, thus eliminating the need for users to contact the organisation's network management department. And, since WBM only requires a Web-based server, integrating her into the Intranet is a quick and painless task.

 

Applications of Web-based Management

  

Network Management

Web-based management is commonly used for managing network devices such as routers, switches, and firewalls. This allows network administrators to monitor, configure, and troubleshoot these devices from a central interface, often remotely. Web-based management makes it easier to oversee complex network environments and ensure consistent performance across all network components.

  

IT Infrastructure Management

In larger IT environments, web-based management is essential for overseeing servers, storage solutions, and data centers. By using a web interface, administrators can monitor hardware health, optimize resource allocation, and manage infrastructure components more efficiently. This centralized approach reduces downtime and streamlines infrastructure management, especially in dynamic and large-scale environments.

 

IoT Device Management

The Internet of Things (IoT) relies heavily on web-based management for remote control and monitoring of devices. From industrial sensors to consumer smart appliances, IoT devices can be monitored and managed over the web, ensuring real-time data tracking and easy troubleshooting. Web-based management enables scalable oversight of diverse IoT ecosystems across various industries.

       

Home and Small Business Use

For home networks and small businesses, web-based management offers a straightforward way to manage IT systems, including smart home devices and small-scale networks. Many modern home routers and smart home hubs come with web-based interfaces, enabling users to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot their systems easily. For small businesses, this approach provides accessible IT management without needing a dedicated IT team.