In case of static or smaller networks, the network inventory can be easily managed manually, but in case of dynamic, constantly changing the network (ie. without deployment needs only through configuration), the human factor can easily result in inaccuracy, significant time delay and finally completely unusable network inventory.
To make inventory always up to date, either (event-driven) recipient interfaces promptly respond to changes in the network, or periodic network syncronizations are required. The latter solution, even in the case of the event-driven system, is necessary to eliminate a false image of a network resulting from a loss of notice due to any defects.
In the case of network technologies having own management system it is easier to obtain the information, but in the case of self-organizing, not centrally managed networks (eg: Ethernet networks) to explore the network elements, including evolving relationships may cause difficulties . In such cases, set of all possible equipment should be explored along the specified mapping algorithms and mechanisms.
In most cases, manufacturers provide management interface for their equipment. These devices, in small and homogeneous networks though well can be used. The problem is that during the evolution of the network, it becomes necessary for the involvement of other manufacturers, who also deliver their own solutions to new types of equipment. As a result, a coherent network will be partially covered by management systems in most cases not related network parts; furthermore, these management software are able to manage only the corresponding devices, and may not support the operations of other tasks.
In order to make the network transparent and manageable, unified, vendor and device type independent inventory must be created. The integrated inventory system must be able to receive data from the software of various manufacturers, or from the devices themselves, in order to always contain comprehensive information.
A technical inventory accessible through a common interface, containing the full picture of the network, is an adequate tool to provide easily and quickly information, statistics needed for the operation and strategic decisions.
The proper physical deployment of a network can only be designed or its life cycle can only be managed if, in addition to its inventory data, its geographic parameters are also known. GIS (geographic information systems) have information and computational algorithms about how the physical environment influences a given technology deployment.
Before deploying or expanding larger systems it is indispensable to examine or design them with GIS tools that can be effectively and properly implemented. To be able to do these steps, the current image of the network collected by the inventory system should be available for the GIS system.
The up-to-date network information plays an important role not only in the design phase, but also facilitates the monitoring of the implementation by providing which equpment are still in the planning / production state and which were put into operation.
