A Secure Station for Network Monitoring and Control

The task of managing large networks is seldom accomplished using a single tool. Instead, network administrators usually compile collections of tools that can be used, in isolation or combined with others, to identify and correct problems. Equally important, however, is the platform used for the execution of those tools. In this paper we will be describing the Network Monitoring Station which has provided us with a safe base from which to troubleshoot network problems. This platform combines strong security with reduced configuration, administration and maintenance overheads. Moreover, it employs free, off-the-shelf software and runs on low-cost PCs.