The rapid increase in the number and size of networks has created new
challenges in network administration. Companies depend on efficiently func-
tioning networks to stay competitive, maintain productivity, and control costs.
Network administrators must perform network optimization activities to use
the available bandwidth efficiently and maintain acceptable response times
for the users. Additionally, network administrators must meet the conflicting
demands of providing continuous network operation and planning for long-
term growth and advances in technology.

Most network administrators manage networks that have grown over time,
using the technologies that were available. As networks grow, problems also
increase. The feedback mechanism to the administrator is an irate phone call.
Few planning processes exist, often because administrators do not have the
time or the expertise required to plan for network growth.

Network administrators must be able to take some proactive steps to improve
the performance of the network or they will have networks characterized by
congestion and unavailability to users. Planning, optimization, and having the
tools to effect changes quickly are vital as the network grows.