What Does Network Operation Center (NOC) Mean?

A Network Operations Center (NOC) is a central location where network administrators manage, control, and monitor one or more networks. The overall function is to maintain optimal network operation on a variety of platforms, media and communication channels.

Large network service providers are connected to network operations centers that provide a visual representation of monitored networks and workstations, where detailed network statuses are monitored. Software is used to manage networks. Telecommunications, television programs and computer networks are controlled through network operations centers.

Network Operations Centers are also called Network Management Centers.

A network operations center monitors the telecommunications network for specific alarms or conditions that may require special attention to avoid affecting network performance. They monitor power outages, communication line alerts, and performance issues that can affect networks. NOC Services  can analyze problems, fix bugs, communicate with local technicians, and track issues until they are resolved. Networking Centers are the primary focus for troubleshooting, software distribution, and updating router and domain name management in conjunction with connected networks and for performance monitoring.

Network operations centers include desktop-facing video wall lines that display important alarm details, incidents in progress, and overall network performance. The backplanes of the network operations centers are glazed and members of the major incident management team use an adjoining room. Individual tables are associated with a specific technology. Technicians have multiple monitors on their desks, with additional monitors used to monitor desktops.

Network Operation Centers handle issues hierarchically, informing the next level to speed problem resolution if a problem is not resolved within a given time period. Most network operation centers have multiple levels that define the capabilities of a network operation center technician. Problems that go through a NOC are escalated hierarchically. If an escalated issue is not resolved within the set time, it will be escalated to the next level for a quick fix.

Almost all web hosting companies and ISPs use NOC Services to control and manage internal communication and email account management.

What are the NOC Services?

NOC is central to distributing and updating software, monitoring performance, coordinating with connected networks, troubleshooting network issues, and managing routers and domain names.

But that is not all. There are various NOC Services, including the following:

• Performance reports and improvement suggestions
• Monitor and manage firewall and intrusion prevention systems
• Network Discovery and Evaluation
• Quality of Service Optimization and Reporting
• Patch Management and Whitelist
• Backup and storage management
• Email management services
• Voice and video traffic management
• Antivirus Scanning and Correction
• Joint threat analysis
• policy enforcement

Application software installation, troubleshooting, and upgrade

In terms of responsibilities, NOC monitors each hop, network flow, server, and a terminal connected to an MSP's client networks. They also help to monitor infrastructure capacity and conditions and make adjustments and decisions to ensure that networks perform optimally and productivity is organized.

If NOC indicates something, depending on the relationship between NOC and MSP, teams can work to resolve the problem and identify the source of the problem to prevent future problems.

Is a NOC the Same as a Help Desk?

No, an NOC and technical support are not interchangeable services. The big difference between the two is that tech support has all the interaction between end-users.

NOC provides backend maintenance, support, and troubleshooting to help MSP respond to potential customer issues. Technical support is a call center set up to receive questions directly from end-users who are experiencing a problem.

In summary, if an end-user has a problem, contact technical support. If the MSP has a program, it will contact the NOC.