A database which automatically sets off a specific action upon insertion of data into one of its tables
Agents
Processes that discover connectivity information between devices on the network. They can also report the existence of devices
Agent Information (agentInfo) database
A database MONITOR uses to store information about the status of each active Polling Agent.
Alert
A network occurrence that requires the attention of a network administrator. These are deemed to be significant enough to be assigned an alert status, based on a company's network management policy, with the level of severity indicated by a designated color according to an industry standard.
AOC
Active Object Class. A dynamic feature of the MWFM NMOS based on the concept of object class files and object modelling Object Classes are considered `active' since there is no operator input. The class file tells the system what action to undertake on the object upon instantiation, based on the properties, behaviors, and management policies contained in the AOC file description. Implementation of the AOC properties occurs as soon as the object has been detected in the network. For reference, a `passive' class can be defined as a situation where the system needs to be told that a particular class file applies to an object before it instigates the properties, behaviors and management policies associated with the object.
API
Application Programming Interface. An indirect means of enabling one application program or operating system to interface with a separate application program or operation system.
ARP
Address Resolution Protocol. A method for finding a host's Ethernet address from its Internet address. The sender broadcasts an ARP packet containing the Internet address of another host and waits for it (or some other host) to send back its Ethernet address. Each host maintains a cache of address translations to reduce delay and loading. ARP allows the Internet address to be independent of the Ethernet address but it only works if all hosts support it.
ARP
(ARP) Helper database. A database DISCO uses on initialization of the discovery process. It contains configuration information used to specify the operation of the ARP Helper, which performs IP address to MAC address resolution.
ASN.1
Abstract Syntax Notation One. The ISO standard notation for independent specification of data types and structures for syntax conversion.
ATM
Asynchronous Transfer Mode.A switching technology that organizes digital data into cell units and transmits them over a physical medium using digital signal technology.
AUTH
A component of MWFM NMOS. AUTH (representing the AUTHentication engine) monitors actions of MWFM NMOS users to ensure that any action they attempt to take in relation to network devices, events and alerts is one for which they have the necessary security privileges.
B
Broadcast
A message sent over a network to all members—rather than specific members—of a group such as a department or enterprise.
C
CDP
Cisco Discovery Protocol—A device discovery protocol that runs on all Cisco manufactured equipment such as switches, servers and routers. A device can use CDP to advertise its existence to network management tools and other network devices as well as receive information about devices located in the network.
Child Class
A class directly below another in a hierarchical structure; a class that inherits from another class.
Class
In object-oriented programming, a class is a template definition of the methods and variables in a particular kind of object. An object is defined as a specific instance of a class; it contains real values instead of variables.
CLASS
The MWFM NMOS component that is responsible for managing and distributing information contained within the Active Object Classes to other MWFM NMOS processes and applications that may require class-based information.
Class (class) database
A database CLASS uses to deduce the class hierarchy and relationships between all the classes in the AOC directory.
Client
The requesting program or device in a client-server model, it uses resources provided by the server.
Component
The constituent element of a system. For instance, MWFM NMOS components include, CLASS, DISCO, MONITOR, MODEL, DIST, CTRL and STORE.
Configuration (configuration) database
A database DISCO uses at the beginning of the discovery process. At start up DISCO reads the information in this database to determine which processes need to be initialized.
Connectivity
The manner in which devices that form a network are connected to each other and how they interact.
Containment Model
A hierarchical structure that enables MWFM NMOS to establish a relationship between physical and logical network entities or objects. The Containment Model enables potentially unrelated physical and logical entities or objects to be linked simply because they are held in the same repository or `container', thus allowing MWFM NMOS to detect them and incorporate them in to the network topology.
CTRL
The MWFM NMOS component responsible for controlling and managing all other components in the MWFM NMOS suite.
D
Daemon
Disk And Execution MONitor. A program that runs continuously without human intervention. It is essentially an attendant or handling device that exists to execute periodic services within a computer system or network, e.g., file transfers.
Data Dictionary
Contains all the ASN.1 descriptions of data types that will be encountered in the device class so that the system knows how to treat each data type.
Data Link Layer
The Data Link Layer (DLL) is concerned with packaging and addressing data and managing the flow of information within the physical layer. The DLL is made up of two sub-layers: the Logical Link Control (LLC) Layer and the Media Access Control (MAC) Layer.
Despatch table
Synonymous with Inbox.
Details Agent
Responsible for the retrieval of basic information about devices discovered in the network by the Finders. The Details Agent is more intricate than the Finders but less complex than the true Discovery Agents, and similar to the Finders, it has a database consisting of only two tables used to enable it to carry out its operation—the Details despatch table and the Details returns table.
Details Agent (details) database
An active database DISCO uses to store basic device information discovered by the Finders, as well as more detailed device connectivity information retrieved from the network by Details Agent itself.
Devices
Refers to any part of the computer other than the CPU and the working memory. In networking terms, it refers to the different entities that make up the network, e.g., machines, switches, routers, hubs, printers, etc.
DISCO
DISCO is the key component in MWFM NMOS. It runs as a two-stage process. The first stage of the process finds devices on the network and then explores the connectivity between them to discover all the possible routes for data. The second stage of the process correlates all this information and builds up a complete map of the network topology. DISCO dynamically updates this map as connections are lost, regained or newly discovered.
Discovery
The process of discovering which devices are located on your network and determining from those devices an accurate picture of how the devices interconnect with one another and the server(s), ultimately building a map referred to as the network topology.
Discovery Agent
Processes that retrieve information about devices on the network. They are also capable of reporting the existence of new devices by virtue of the connections found to other devices.
Discovery Agent (agentTopo) database template
An active database used by DISCO. Each Discovery Agent uses an associated database -consisting of four tables- which contains information on devices that have been discovered on the network, and detailed device connectivity information.
Discovery Agents Definitions (agentDefn) database
A database DISCO uses to manage the Discovery Agents. DISCO despatches Discovery Agents in to the network based on information configured in this database.
DIST
A component of MWFM NMOS. DIST is a server application which distributes the NMOS to multiple hierarchical domains. DIST is also the component that enables MWFM NMOS to integrate with third party applications such as RDBMS and help desk systems.
DNS Domain Name System
A general-purpose distributed, replicated, data query service chiefly used on the Internet for translating hostnames into Internet addresses. Also the style of hostname used on the Internet, though such a name is properly called a fully qualified domain name. DNS can be configured to use a sequence of name servers, based on the domains in the name being looked for, until a match is found.
DNS (DNS) Helper database
A database DISCO uses on initial is at ion of the discovery process. It contains configuration rules used by the DNS Helper when performing DNS operations on network entities.
E
EBN Table Entity By Name
One of the tables within the Agent Databases that stores entity names and attributes of entities that are known by a given Agent.
EBNR Table EntityByNeighbor
One of the tables within the Agent Databases that stores object names and all the neighboring connections.
Ethernet
A local area network data transfer protocol first described by Metcalfe & Boggs of Xerox PARC in 1976. Specified by DEC, Intel and XEROX (DIX) as IEEE 802.3 and now recognized as the industry standard.
Event
An event is any change of state of any device on the network.
Extensibility
A programming language or a system (for instance, MWFM NMOS) that can be modified by changing or adding features (for instance, network management applications).
F
Fault (fault) database
A database STORE uses to store the event stream on the network. It contains information on all live events in the system as well as a record of all completed events.
FCAPS
FCAPS is a conceptual model of network management developed by the International Organization for Standardization to provide a clear focus and strategy for running a network safely and efficiently. The letters are an acronym representing the five areas a network management policy needs to consider. Fault management is about identifying faults on a network quickly and efficiently. Configuration management tracks the various versions of hardware and software on a network, ensuring lack of conflict (or reducing it to an acceptable level). Accounting applications monitor individual uses of a network for quota calculations and billing. Performance management software identifies areas of a network that are overloaded, allowing efficiency to be improved, and security management is concerned with controlling access to network resources and preventing unauthorized use or tampering with the network
FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface)
A protocol for the transmission of data using fibre-optic links. It is based on a token ring protocol and is capable of data transfer up to 200 Mbps.
FileFinder (fileFinder) configuration database
A database used by DISCO. It contains the configuration rules used by the fileFinder when parsing a file for IP addresses of network devices.
Finder Database
Central database to which all Finders report discovered devices
Finder(s)
Processes that discover the existence of devices on the network; however, they do not report connections like the Agents.
Finders (finders) database
An active database DISCO uses as a repository for information pertaining to devices discovered in the network by the Finders.
Frame Relay
A packet switching technology, primarily for use in MAN and WAN.
G
GDMO
Guidelines for the Definition of Managed Objects.
H
Helper Server
The central repository where Helpers deposit connectivity information retrieved from the network devices. This is also responsible for servicing the requests for information by the Agents.
Helper(s)
Processes that go into devices and assist the Agents in retrieving connectivity information. They have no understanding of the information.
Hierarchy
A structure that ranks components into levels of subordination according to a defined criteria. In object-oriented programming, the relationship between the Parent Class and Child Class forms a hierarchy.
I
ICMP Internet Control Message Protocol.
An extension to the Internet protocol (IP) that allows for the generation of error messages, test packets, and informational messages related to IP.
ILMI Interim Local Management Interface
An SNMP-based management protocol defined by the ATM Forum that provides interface status and configuration information and is used to register and/or acquire ATM addresses.
Impact Topology
The activated scratch topology after discovery, used by the other processes for root-cause analysis.
Impact Topology (impactTopology) database
A database used by DISCO. It is created after the discovery process and contains resolved topology information. It is activated from the final approved Scratch Topology.
Inheritance
In object-oriented programming, the ability to derive new classes from existing classes. A derived class (`sub-class') inherits the instance variables and methods of the base class (`super-class'), and may add new instance variables and methods. New methods may be defined with the same names as those in the base class, in which case they override the original one.
Instance
In object-oriented terms, this refers to a specific physical manifestation of a class. See also class, instance, instantiation, and object.
Instantiation
In object-oriented programming, producing a particular object from its class template. This involves allocation of a structure with the types specified by the template, and initial is at ion of instance variables with either default values or those provided by the class's constructor function.
Internet
A worldwide system of computer networks that use the TCP/IP suite of protocols to communicate with one another. The Internet was conceived by the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) part of the U.S. Government's Department of Defense in 1969 and was first known as the ARPANet.
Intranet
A network contained within a company or organization. The main purpose of an intranet is to share company information, documentation and resources among employees.
IP (Internet Protocol)
The underlying network layer protocol for routing packets over the Internet and other TCP/IP-based networks, used to establish a virtual connection between a source and destination. See also TCP/IP.
IP address (Internet Protocol address TCP/IP address)
The 32-bit host address defined by the Internet Protocol. It is usually represented in dotted decimal notation. For example, 200.255.124.255.
ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
A worldwide federation of national standards bodies. The OSI reference model is maintained by this federation.
ISP (Internet Service Provider)
A company which provides other companies or individuals with access to, or presence on, the Internet. Most ISPs are also Internet Access Providers; extra services include help with design, creation and administration of WorldWide Web sites, training, and administration of intranets.
I
Kernel
The essential part of an operating system responsible for resource allocation, low-level hardware interfaces, security etc. In MWFM NMOS, it is the collection of components that make up the basic NMOS into which other network management applications can `plug-in'.
Kernel (kernel) database
A database STORE uses to store the topology event stream on the network. It contains information on known entities in the network as well as a record of all active entities.
L
LAN (Local Area Network)
A shared computer communication system that is limited to a local geographical area.
LLC (Logical Link Control)
The upper part of the data link layer in a protocol stack (As defined in the OSI).
M
MAC address
The hardware address of a device connected to a shared network medium. See also MAC Layer.
MAC Layer (Media Access Control Layer)
The lower sub layer of the OSI Data Link Layer. The interface between a node's Logical Link Control and the network's physical layer. The MAC differs for various physical media.
MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
A shared computer communication system that works on a less than city-wide basis.
Master (master) database
A central database MODEL uses to store the network topology. It is responsible for holding all discovered network entities, their containment and their connectivity.
MIB (Managed Information Base)
A formal description of a set of network objects that can be managed using the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP).
MODEL
A component of MWFM NMOS. MODEL takes information from the DISCO component about the devices and connections that make up a network and stores that information for reference. MODEL only stores this information; it does not interact with it or process the information in any way.
MONITOR
A component of MWFM NMOS. MONITOR continually (or at intervals chosen by the network operator) polls devices on the network to find out whether their connection is still active or if that device is no longer available. It interacts with the MODEL component to find out what devices it needs to be looking for. If MONITOR finds that a device recorded in the network topology of MODEL has become unavailable, it passes on that information to the relevant components.
Multicast
A point-to-point means of transmitting data, especially useful for multiviewer video. Standard TCP connections are unicast, that is, single sender and single recipient - to send a data stream to 10 viewers would require 10 separate data streams. An alternative is broadcast, which is single point to every recipient but the traffic goes to more viewers than have requested it, hence affecting their links into the network. Multicast is point to multipoint, which means a single stream from a server goes simultaneously to the set of recipients that it is intended for.
N
Name service
See DNS.
Network Layer
Layer 3 of the OSI Model. The Network Layer is primarily concerned with the operation and control of the subnet (Layers 1, 2 and 3 of the OSI Model). It handles routing of data (packets) across multiple point-to-point links and ensures they are forwarded to the correct destination.
NMOS (Network Management Operating System)
The base architecture provided by MWMF. The operating system provides a central platform which is able to integrate separate network management applications.
O
Object
In object-oriented programming, a unique instance of a data structure defined according to the template provided by its class. Each object has its own values for the variables belonging to its class and can respond to the messages (methods) defined by its class.
Object Modelling
A modular approach to creating a software product or computer system, in which the modules (objects) can be easily adapted to meet new needs.
OQL (Object Query Language)
Similar to SQL, OQL is an interactive programming language for getting information from and updating a database. However, unlike SQL, OQL is object-based and designed specifically around the operational needs of the MWFM discovery process. It has the ability to support object referencing within tables, making it possible to have objects nested within objects. It also contains a convention for describing how to reference queries and how to store them.
Oracle™
A database management system that runs on Unix and Microsoft Windows platforms.
A relational DBMS has the ability to handle several database files at the same time and allow the user to `trawl' for related data. In an object-oriented DBMS, this ability is extended to deal with lumps of related data called `objects'. For example, if you were searching different motor manufacturers' databases for all those who manufactured electric cars, you might also want each car identified and `pulled in' to carry with it details of its shape, range and price - all this forming the `object'.
OSI (Open System Interconnection)
The ISO-defined layered architecture for networks. The model outlines a stack of protocols in seven layers; from bottom to top these are: Physical, Data link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation and Application layers. MWFM NMOS operates primarily on Layers 2 and 3 of the OSI Model.
P
Packet
The unit of data sent across a network.
Parent Class
The class directly above another class, from which attributes and management policies are inherited.
Parser
A program that receives input in the form of sequential source program instructions, interactive online commands, markup tags, or some other defined interface and breaks them up into parts (for example, the nouns (objects), verbs (methods), and their attributes or options) that can then be managed by other programming (for example, other components in a compiler). A parser may also check to see that all input has been provided that is necessary.
Passive Database
A database is considered passive if a change of state (updating, deletion or insertion of a record in to it or one of its components) does not trigger other events to occur.
PERL (Practical Extraction and Reporting Language)
A high-level programming language, developed as an open source project. It has an eclectic heritage, deriving from the ubiquitous C programming language and to a lesser extent from sed, awk, various Unix shell languages, Lisp, and at least a dozen other tools and languages. Originally developed for Unix, it is now available for many platforms.
Physical Layer
The bottom-most layer (Layer 1) of the OSI model, located below the Data Link Layer. This layer covers the physical, electrical and functional aspects of network connections.
PING (Packet INternet Groper)
A protocol for testing whether a particular computer is connected to the Internet by sending a packet to its IP address and waiting for a response. The origins of the name come from the terminology used in submarine SONAR, where a sound signal - called a `ping' - is broadcast, and surrounding objects are revealed by their reflections of the sound.
PING (PING) Helper database
A database DISCO uses on initial is at ion of the Discovery process. It contains the rules used when pinging network entities during discovery.
Ping Finder (pingFinder) configuration database
An active DISCO database. It contains the configuration rules used by the pingFinder when pinging the network for the existence of devices.
PNNI (Private Network-to-Network Interface, also known as Private Network-to-Node Interface)
An ATM-specific protocol that enables network topology and accessibility information to be freely distributed between ATM switches across a private network. The distributed information is then used to route calls through the network.
Poll Definitions Cache (polldefCache) database
A database MONITOR uses to store the poll definitions and polling methodology loaded from CLASS. MONITOR then distributes this information to the individual Polling Agents to commence polling the network.
Polling
The process of periodically determining the status of each device in a set so that the active program can process the events generated by each device, such as whether a mouse button was pressed or whether new data is available at a serial port. This can be contrasted with event-driven processing, in which the operating system alerts a program or routine to the occurrence of an event by means of an interrupt or message rather than having to check each device in turn.
Polling Agent
Processes which monitor the status of network devices after the discovery process has generated a network topology.
Presentation Layer
The layer between the Session Layer and the Application Layer in the OSI model. This layer is for presenting the data sent across the network link. It is responsible for data encryption/decryption and the translation of character sets. Any layout codes within the data are interpreted for display.
Process shadowing
In MWFM NMOS, the act of processes duplicating each other so that every process has a secondary and sometimes tertiary shadow. These secondary processes lie inert while the primary process is available; however, if anything causes the primary process to fail, the secondary process can take over its actions. The secondary process knows when to act by monitoring the communications frequency used by the primary
Protocol
A set of rules or standards that are designed to enable diverse computers to connect together, and exchange information with one another.
Publish / subscribe
A means of transmitting information in which users subscribe to a service that publishes information. When information content changes or new information is added, the subscriber becomes automatically updated.
R
RDBMS (Relational Database Management System)
A database or database management system that stores information in tables (rows and columns of data) and conducts searches by using data in specified columns of one table to find additional data in another table. In a relational database, the rows of a table represent records (collections of information about separate items) and the columns represent fields (particular attributes of a record).
Rediscovery
In MWFM NMOS, the act of automatically finding and instantiating new devices and alterations in the topology when a network changes.
Rendezvous™
A product by the TIBCO Corporation, which uses multicast technology to enable communication between MWFM NMOS components through publish/subscribe and broadcast request/reply.
Returns table
Synonymous with Outbox.
riv_auth
See AUTH.
riv_class
See CLASS.
riv_ctrl
See CTRL.
riv_dist
See DIST.
riv_model
See MODEL.
riv_monitor
See MONITOR.
riv_oql
See OQL.
riv_store
See STORE.
Root Class
The class at the top or beginning of a class hierarchical structure.
Root cause
The exact reason and location of an alert.
Router
An intermediary device on a communications network that expedites message delivery. On a single network linking many computers through a mesh of possible connections, a router receives transmitted messages and forwards them to their correct destinations over the most efficient available route. On an interconnected set of local area networks (LANs) using the same communications protocols, a router serves the somewhat different function of acting as a link between LANs, enabling messages to be sent from one to another.
Rule-based' system
An application program that makes decisions or solves problems using a set of simple rules that apply to a given situation.
S
Schema
A schema is a description of the entire database structure that is used by the database software to maintain the database. In relation to MWFM NMOS, and implementing SQL-93 terms, a schema is a collection of database objects associated with a particular database owner (in this case, the owners would be individual processes e.g. Agent X, scratch topology, etc.). The advantage of having a schema is that it allows tables to have identical names but only if they belong to different schemata.
Scratch Topology
A working topology of connections created by the actions of Stitchers.
Scratch Topology (scratch Topology) database
A database used by DISCO. It contains connectivity information on all entities discovered in the network during the discovery process; essentially, it is a working area for topology deduction.
Scratch Topology database
Contains a working topology of connections created by the actions of the Stitchers, it is constantly being updated during the process of discovery.
Server
On the Internet or other network, a computer or program that responds to requests or commands from a client. For example, a file server may contain an archive of data or program files; when a client submits a request for a file; the server transfers a copy of the file to the client. See also client/server architecture.
Session Layer
The layer between the Transport Layer and the Presentation Layer in the OSI model. This layer handles dialogs between systems, allowing the restarting of transmission if connections are lost and the marking of the start and end of data sets.
Shadow
See Process shadowing.
Sniffer Finder (snifferFinder) configuration database
An active DISCO database. It contains the configuration rules used by the snifferFinder to discover network devices by extracting IP and MAC addresses from network packets.
SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)
A management protocol for TCP/IP networks.
SNMP Helper (SNMP) database
A database DISCO uses on initialization of the Discovery process. It contains configuration rules on SNMP information retrieval from the network.
SQL (Structured Query Language)
Interactive programming language for getting information from and updating a database.
Start Up Information (startUpInfo) database
A database MONITOR uses to store Polling Agent initialization information.
Stitcher Definitions (stitchers) database
A database DISCO uses to manage the Stitchers. DISCO schedules Stitchers based on the information in this database.
Stitcher(s)
Responsible for the transfer of information between applications after processing in accordance with predefined stitching rules.
Stitching rules
A set of rules or statements that are defined according to the requirements of the Stitcher. Each rule is written in OQL and can be written to manipulate data, create tables, perform copy and delete functions, distribute data, etc.
STORE
A component of MWFM NMOS. Whenever two components of MWFM NMOS interact, sending messages, requests or data, STORE will record the fact that a transaction took place between these two components and what that transaction was. It acts as both a log of actions that have occurred within MWFM NMOS and as a backup in the event that problems occur.
Sub-Class
See Child Class.
Subnet
A portion of a network, which may be a physically independent network segment, which shares a network address with other portions of the network and is distinguished by a subnet number. A subnet is to a network what a network is to an internet.
Super Class
See Parent Class.
Switch
In network communications, a computer or electromechanical device that controls routing and operation of a signal path.
System (system) database
A database STORE uses to define the listening methodology. This database defines the subject(s) that sound be listened for and actions STORE should take upon detection.
T
TCP/IP Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol
This is the basic communication protocol used for the Internet and other networks. TCP/IP has two layers; Transmission Control Protocol divides a message or file into small packets of data to be reassembled by the destination device's TCP layer; the lower layer, Internet Protocol, handles the addressing of each packet so it reaches the destination. See also IP.
TELNET
The Internet standard protocol for remote login. Runs on top of TCP/IP and extended with options. Unix BSD networking software includes a program, telnet, which uses the protocol and acts as a terminal emulator for the remote login session.
TELNET (telnetHelper) Helper database
A database DISCO uses on initialization of the discovery process. It contains configuration rules used by the TELNET Helper when performing IP address to name TELNET operations.
Topology
The configuration formed by the connections between devices on a local area network (LAN) or between two or more LANs.
Topology Cache (topoCache) database
A database MONITOR uses to store the current network topology loaded from MODEL. It contains all network entities, containment and connectivity information.
Translations (translations) database
A database MODEL uses to store the definitions and translations of external data types used in the master database.
Transport Layer
The layer between the Network Layer and the Session Layer in the OSI model. This layer handles the connection between the source and destination of data. The data is sent in a stream of sequentially numbered packets so that the flow of data can be monitored to ensure proper delivery.
Trap
A program interrupt, usually an interrupt caused by some exceptional situation in the user program. In most cases, the OS performs some action, and then returns control to the program.
Trap Finder (trapFinder) configuration database
An active DISCO database. It contains the configuration rules used by the trapFinder to discover devices by listening to SNMP traps and extracting IP addresses from these traps.
V
VLAN Virtual Local Area Network
Software-defined groups of hosts on a local area network (LAN) that communicate as if they were on the same wire, even though they are physically on different LAN segments throughout a site. To define a virtual LAN, the network administrator uses a virtual LAN management utility to establish membership rules that determine which hosts are in a specific virtual LAN.
W
WAN (Wide Area Network)
A shared computer communication system that covers a wide geographical spread.
Working Entities (workingEntities) database
A database used by DISCO. It contains a record of all entities discovered during the discovery process.
