How expert systems can support network diagnostics, management and control

The purpose of this paper is to: briefly review the typical networking situation and related problems and consequences that have to be considered in network management environments; give an insight into the characteristics and the functionality that can be derived from using expert systems, how they can help and support networking operations, and how they differ from conventional systems; show specifically how expert systems can most effectively be applied to improve network diagnostic, management and support capabilities; provide practical examples on the strategic options that might be available to most effectively improve network operational capabilities; resolving a considerable range of support problems which include both trivial and complex diagnostic issues, online and remote problem determination to identify immediate and potential problems, down to a component, line and sub-component level; and indicate the costs, benefits and the conclusions that can be drawn from considering the use of expert systems to support network management and control