Overcoming Challenges in Network Management

Network managers take on a lot of responsibility within their organizations. They are responsible for the security and integrity of the company as well as the safety of the company’s data. Network managers have a lot on their plate in terms of the daily challenges they face in the evolving technological sphere. Network managers should constantly be aware of these challenges to properly secure and maintain an efficient network. Securing the network, configuration management, cost and budget management, tracking network performance, infrastructure, and evolving hardware and software are all some of the challenges network managers face daily (Freed). Diving deeper into these issues, we can better understand how to work around these challenges and maintain an efficient network. 

The first major challenge of a network manager is the security of the network. This means recognizing evolving threats and vulnerabilities, and knowing the correct protocol to respond to them. Some ways network managers are able to work around these challenges are by implementing firewalls and intrusion detection systems, making sure all software is up to date, keeping staff up to date on policies and training, and using monitoring tools like SIEM to detect abnormalities in the network. Implementing firewalls and intrusion detection systems monitor what can come in and what can go out of the network safely. Keeping software up-to-date ensures another layer of security for workspaces on the network by making sure patches and updates are implemented. Keeping employees up to date with the most recent security protocols and updates will allow less human error and a better understanding of the system. Finally, using different facets of SIEM can create a safer and more secure environment. The different capabilities of SIEM such as real-time alerting and log collection can give network managers a better understanding of what goes on within the network (Nordcloud). These tools allow network managers to secure their networks easily and with minimal human intervention. 

The next challenge is configuration management. This deals with troubleshooting, configuration of databases, and other network repair and maintenance. In order to conquer this issue, network managers should maintain backup configurations in case of emergency, as well as keep logs and review trails to view those who have accessed the system. Keeping backups of configurations and logs helps to identify potential changes to the network and review issues that may arise. Reviewing trails helps to maintain accountability if something were to go wrong in the system due to human error. Both of these factors not only help review potential issues in the network, but also to help keep the network at its best in terms of security. 

Cost and budget management of the network is an essential part of network management, as deciding what systems to use within the budget of a company helps the company to cut down on overspending and reduce the amount of resources they do not need. Some ways network managers reduce cost for systems are by prioritizing needs, using a cloud service instead of hosting locally, negotiating with vendors, and constantly planning for lifecycle changes by updating aging equipment when needed. By prioritizing investments, the company as a whole saves money due to reduced costs on unnecessary changes to the system. There are many more benefits to using cloud computing, however in this example, using a cloud service instead of a locally hosted system is cheaper, as it saves space, money, and maintenance time. Negotiating with vendors is another way a company may be able to reduce costs and make sure the company is not spending money on unnecessary features or system components. Most importantly, keeping up with the lifecycle of the devices used on the network is an important factor in making sure that both physical and virtual security is up to date. Replacing aging equipment (within reason) can help a company to not only advance technologically, but to ensure there are no emergency costs that could arise in the future due to aging equipment and software. Maintaining a cost-efficient network is very important to companies as they need to prioritize many different monetary facets all at once and do not want to overspend. 

Monitoring network traffic performance is an essential part of network management as the company balances on the performance of the network. It is important that the network is efficiently running and that it can handle the amount of traffic within the company. Some ways this can be done is by using specific applications such as WireShark to track bandwidth usage and performance. Making sure the network is scalable for the size of the company is also an important factor in this area of management. Diagnostic tools can help troubleshoot certain protocols that may not be working properly. Applications like WireShark allow a network manager to monitor the flow of traffic on the network and ensure that no suspicious activity or overloading is on the network. Making sure the network is scalable also helps with reducing overflow on the network. The network should be large or small enough to handle the amount of traffic expected daily. Using diagnostic tools such as ping or traceroute can also give insight into the network’s performance. All of these factors working together can help the system run more efficiently and successfully.

Infrastructure management makes sure the network is working properly at all times in terms of hardware and software. Keeping track of updates and regularly checking the network is very important to keep things running smoothly. Using SNMP can help to more easily and efficiently access devices for repairs. By using SNMP, devices can be managed and monitored easily and there are many other network management commands that can assist with this (SolarWinds). Using an asset management system can also help to track hardware and software inventory. Being aware of system inventory can be useful for many reasons, such as saving money, keeping up with the age of the technology and making sure all technology is up to date. Infrastructure is a key feature of the network and for that reason needs to be maintained carefully and actively. 

Hardware and software are constantly evolving, so keeping track of the latest developments allows network managers and their colleagues to stay informed and up to date on potential vulnerabilities in their system. Continuous learning for the network manager and other staff is extremely important to ensure everyone keeps up with changes and updates within the system, as well as advances in the technological climate. Attending conferences, workshops and seminars are all things both the network manager and other employees can do to better understand the constantly evolving technological world. Working closely with vendors in vendor partnerships allows for an easy flow of information about updates and possible changes to a system. Testing out new environments before implementing them into the network is also important to ensure nothing goes wrong after immediately adding them. Building flexible systems allows the network to grow and change with evolving technology so a total uprooting of the system is not needed if something needs to change. Together, hardware and software work as a team to secure the network and company.

Network managers deal with many different facets of technology within their job. They have a very important duty to their company to protect data, keep the network running smoothly, and ensure the safety of their employees. These six examples of network management challenges are not all that network managers must be aware of, but they are some of the most important. Without network managers, the integrity of a company’s network can be easily compromised or even destroyed.

Freed, T. (2025, July 11). Network Management Challenges: How To Overcome Them. Prelude Services. https://www.preludeservices.com/blog/top-challenges-with-network-management/

ManageEngine, communications@manageengine. com. (n.d.). Network monitoring software by ManageEngine OpManager. ManageEngine OpManager. https://www.manageengine.com/network-monitoring/network-management-challenges.html

Global, P. (2025, February 21). 5 network maintenance challenges – and how to tackle them. pivit global. https://info.pivitglobal.com/blog/5-network-maintenance-challenges

What are the advantages of Siem?. Nordcloud. (2024, January 26). https://nordcloud.com/tech-community/advantages-of-siem/

What is SNMP? – it glossary. SolarWinds. (n.d.). https://www.solarwinds.com/resources/it-glossary/snmp