Key areas of agreement and disagreement in the network management community are presented using the evolving open systems interconnection network management architecture as an informal guide. A key observation is that the open-networking community has apparently settled on a management model that places management information base (MIB) on each network node and manages these MIBs remotely with application level protocols. Various network systems based on this model are examined, along with some systems that use alternative management architectures.>

The technology of packet switching over multihop, multiple-access channels has evolved to the point at which its protocols can now support internetwork operation of medium-size networks whose nodes possess some degree of mobility. As regards the needs and challenges of the future operating environment, it is clear that these can be met only by enhancing the packet radio architecture and its protocols. We discuss several enhancements that allow the organization of large, dynamic networks that can operate over multiple channels, adapt to varying conditions, and possess self-monitoring and self-control capabilities. As these areas are examined, the attendant issues and tradeoffs are discussed; in addition, some protocols and information regarding their performance are presented.