What are the purposes of the Network Operations step in the Network Management System?

The Network Operations step in the Network Management System is fundamentally about establishing and conducting network operations. This step focuses on the continuous management and monitoring of network resources, ensuring that all components function properly and efficiently. It involves coordinating the day-to-day activities that are necessary for maintaining the network's operational integrity.

By emphasizing the establishment and execution of operations, this step ensures that the network maintains connectivity, performance, and reliability, which are essential for effective communication and operational readiness. This aspect also includes responding to incidents, managing resources, and optimizing network performance, all of which are critical for operational success.

The other options, while they may relate to network management, do not capture the primary focus of the Network Operations step. For instance, scheduling upgrades pertains more to planning and future development rather than the real-time operational aspect. Conducting performance reviews and managing security protocols are also crucial but represent different components of a broader network management framework rather than the core purpose of the operations step itself.