Fuzzy modelling for enhancement of integrated network management effectiveness

Abstract

It is well established that the basic idea of managing networks, through monitoring and control of their comprising elements and nodes are not effective for modern complex enterprise networks. For these networks, an integrated management approach that also takes the nature of the enterprise and the services it provides into account must be utilized. This is a complex task. While many automated approaches are in use, to a large extent the effectiveness of the integrated management depends on understanding the functions of its components and their relations with one another. In most cases, it is impossible to identify precise crisp models describing the roles, functions, and interactions of such components in a useful manner. One of the main reasons for that is that characterization of these concepts by human beings and managers has a fuzzy nature. Linguistic variables are extensively used in communication of such understandings. In this paper, these ideas are further discussed and ways to utilize fuzzy modelling to improve integrated management effectiveness are explored