Which of the following is widely accepted as one of the critical components in network management?

Configuration and change management is widely recognized as one of the critical components in network management because it encompasses the systematic management of changes to network configurations. This involves maintaining a clear and updated record of network settings, device configurations, and the changes made over time. By doing so, organizations can ensure that their networks operate efficiently, reduce the risk of errors due to misconfiguration, and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.

Effective configuration and change management allows for better control over network resources, helps in troubleshooting issues by establishing a baseline for what the configuration should be, and facilitates planning for future changes. It enhances the organization's ability to quickly restore service in the event of a failure by allowing IT staff to revert to known good configurations.

In contrast, while topological mappings, application of monitoring tools, and proxy server troubleshooting are important aspects of network management, they do not encompass the comprehensive strategy for managing the overall state and integrity of network configurations in the same way that configuration and change management does. These components are supportive elements but do not take the holistic approach required to effectively manage changes and configuration in a network environment.