A NOC (Network Operations Center) is a place that continuously monitors the status and performance of a network. As the first line of defence against network disruptions and failures, it plays a crucial role for businesses. But what exactly does this concept mean? What challenges does the NOC address? And above all, what are the benefits for the organizations that use it? Here are some answers.
NOC: definition and objectives
Specifically dedicated to network control, a Network Operations Center acts as a centralized hub managed by IT teams. More concretely, a NOC supervises an organization's infrastructure and connectivity equipment, covering cabling, servers, wireless systems, firewalls, network peripherals, and now even applications.
The creation and hosting of an NOC can be carried out in-house - by setting up a dedicated space - or outsourced to a company specializing in network monitoring and management. Nevertheless, whatever the approach adopted, NOC members are entrusted with the same missions and face the same challenges.
A NOC has a dual objective: to maintain network performance at a high level, while ensuring continuous availability. With this in mind, the Network Operations Center may be called upon to perform various tasks, such as :
- Monitor the network to detect incidents requiring rapid intervention;
- Manage servers and devices, including updates, software installation and troubleshooting;
- Respond quickly to incidents: communication problems, security alerts, etc. ;
- Ensure network security, by analyzing potential threats and deploying tools to counter them.
NOC vs SOC: different roles
Although a NOC (Network Operations Center) and a SOC (Security Operations Center) share a common objective - to solve IT-related problems - their roles and missions differ:
- An NOC focuses on network performance and availability. Its technicians deal with routine incidents inherent in regular system operation.
- In contrast , an SOC is entirely dedicated to corporate security: its teams are responsible for detecting cyber threats and reacting in the event of an attack.
These two departments are therefore essential to the smooth running of a company. In fact, the SOC and NOC teams are required to work together to resolve crises or large-scale problems.
NOC players
Maintenance, continuous monitoring, rapid problem solving... Managing an NOC requires multiple skills, both technical and organizational. For this reason, the NOC team generally comprises :
- Technicians (engineers, analysts, operators) with specific IT expertise;
- Team leaders or supervisors, in charge of coordinating them.
TDF NOC
NOC: 3 major advantages for companies
As the nerve center of a healthy network, an NOC is an indispensable element for any company.
- The NOC, a guarantor of network safety
An NOC ensures the security of a company's servers and peripherals (firewalls, routers, switches) in line with its security policy. Its functions include :
- Internet security ;
- Password management ;
- Updating corporate security policies ;
- Community chains.
The NOC is therefore a key player in ensuring the security of the company's network, although it can rely on an SOC for external attacks.
- The NOC, a performance lever
An NOC also helps to improve a company's performance. The continuous monitoring carried out by the operations center enables incidents to be detected and resolved rapidly. This rapid management helps to reduce business downtime , which in turn helps to maintain productivity.
- The NOC, a strategic financial investment
The absence of an NOC can have disastrous consequences for a company. Long service interruptions, data loss, difficult management of partners and suppliers... Companies that fail to ensure the security of their network expose themselves to major risks that can have a significant impact on their finances. That's why, despite the investment required, it makes sense to implement an effective NOC.
Network operation and supervision room
The benefits of opting for an external NOC
Lack of time, human resources or sufficiently powerful tools... For many companies, dedicating an entire in-house team to monitoring network performance is simply impossible. And yet, network monitoring and optimization is an essential element in ensuring the organization's good health. That's why it's often preferable to outsource NOC tasks to a company specializing in network monitoring and management. In fact, such an approach will make it possible to :
- Save money: The Information Technology (IT) department is usually one of the most expensive departments in a company. By taking on various tasks, an external NOC helps to reduce the size of this department - and therefore, the associated costs!
- Saving time: Application analysis, risk review, accelerated storage... An external NOC can automate certain repetitive and time-consuming tasks, freeing up time for IT teams. The latter can then concentrate on other, higher value-added tasks.
As an end-to-end integrator, TDF designs, deploys and operates private mobile networks from a dedicated NOC. Located in the Paris region, the center operates and supervises the networks and services of TDF and its customers 24/7. Agri-food industries, airports, public service organizations, research laboratories... Whatever your size or sector of activity, TDF offers you a turnkey solution to ensure the performance, continuity and security of your network.
With this in mind, our NOC makes it possible to :
- Maintain your network's operational efficiency;
- Analyze and anticipate breakdowns;
- Rapid on-site intervention thanks to technicians located throughout the country;
- Transmit important information about your network in real time;
- Implement corrective actions to continuously improve service.
Would you like to find out more about our offer? Contact our team!