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Issue
39 - March 2004
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Network
Connection Management System to Replace NAMS
By
Rita Lam
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The
Network Connection Management System (NCMS) is a Web-based
system that provides a single-stop for registration and maintenance
of the network connection database of the campus network.
The database contains both data (wired and wireless) and voice
(PBX and VoIP) network connections in the Main Campus and
the Student Residences. The NCMS was installed to replace
the previous NAMS system which was mentioned in the Network
Computing article published at http://www.cityu.edu.hk/csc/netcomp/sep2002-6.htm
The followings
are the advantages of the NCMS over NAMS:
-
Provides
up-to-date information for maintaining a healthy networking
environment
In addition to the data stored in the NAMS, the NCMS keeps
track of network outlets or ports used by all computers
on the network. This information is needed to maintain a
healthy network environment on the CTNET III. For example,
the network administrator can easily detect IP spoofing
if an IP address comes from an outlet that is not registered
with the particular IP. In the case of virus outbreak, the
infected machines can be isolated from the network at the
designated network outlets to prevent further spreading
of the virus. Users can also check whether a machine has
been blocked from using the network.
This information is also important for the university-wide
IT planning including the provision of software upgrades
and support, and requisition for software site licenses
etc. The information of the operating systems of the computers
on the network is also necessary for the CSC to notify system
administrators about software patches and security alerts.
-
Streamlining
of the registration process
The following features of the NCMS streamline the registration
process:
- Individual
staff member or student can now register or cancel their wireless
LAN cards with instant approval
- Students
in the Student Residences can now apply for network connections
in their rooms
- Departmental
Network Administrators (DNA) can approve new applications
or applications for changes of network connections on Staff
LAN, Staff only Internet or Student LAN in one step
- Departmental
Phone Administrator (DPA) can approve the installation or
requests for changes of phone connections raised by staff
members in one step
-
More
flexible roles and privileges
The NCMS has the following features that make the definition
of roles and privileges more flexible
- More
than one person can take up the role as DNA
- A DNA
can be assigned to serve more than one department
- After
a user logs on the NCMS with his Electronic ID, the NCMS will
show the role and privileges assigned to him/her
Prior to using the NCMS, please check out the following requirements:
- A valid
Electronic ID (email ID)
- MS Internet
Explorer 6.0 or higher with JavaScript and cookie enabled
- For best
viewing effect, set the display resolution to 1024X768
When
the above requirements are met, click Software & Services
on the e-Portal logon page. Under the Tools &
Utilities for Windows 2000/XP menu, choose Network Connection
Management System. A more detailed operation and procedure
guide of NCMS can also be found under the same menu.
In
conclusion, the NCMS has been designed to give staff members
and students a single-stop for registering network connections
with more ease and flexibility. This in turn will provide
a healthier network environment for the entire university.
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