AN OVERVIEW OF NETWORK OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT

Abstract

A network operations center (NOC, pronounced like the word knock), also
known as a "network management center", is one or more locations from which network
monitoring and control, or network management, is exercised over a computer, telecommunication  or satellite network. NOCs are implemented by business organizations, public utilities, universities, and government agencies that oversee complex networking
environments that require high availability. NOC personnel are responsible for monitoring one or
many networks for certain conditions that may require special attention to avoid degraded
service. Organizations may operate more than one NOC, either to manage different networks or
to provide geographic redundancy in the event of one site becoming unavailable. In addition to
monitoring internal and external networks of related infrastructure, NOCs can monitor social
networks to get a head-start on disruptive events.