network management system (NMS)

Network Management System (NMS) is a general term for the software and hardware that performs network management.

It includes all the functions and components for monitoring and controlling networks, especially the OAM functions- Operation, Administration, and Maintenance (OAM) - through which users and network managers can perform these functions.

Network management systems perform control and guidance functions, collect and store information about network usage, can generate reports and statistics, and can switch alternate routes in the event of route failure. Configuration changes are also part of the tasks of a network management system, as are performance monitoring, event monitoringand fault monitoring.