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Network Configuration And Change Management

Network Configuration and Change Management (NCCM)

 

Daily configuration changes are common due to the expanding business needs. Although a network administrator can make the modifications manually, there is a strong likelihood that doing so will result in mistakes and incorrect setups. A flawed configuration is easily vulnerable to flaws, which could even result in a network outage. This goal is specifically served by Network Configuration Manager, which aids in achieving complete network configuration and change management (NCCM).

 

The goal of network configuration and change management (NCCM) solutions is to find and record network device configurations, identify, audit, and notify of changes, compare configurations to the policy or “gold standard” for that device, and push configuration updates to multivendor network devices.

 

Users of Network Configuration Manager can: 

 

  • Perform automatic backups each time a configuration update is made
  • For jobs that frequently require backup operations, schedule backup configurations.
  • With a single click, instantly backup device/device group configurations.

 

How can role-based access control (RBAC) prevent data misuse?

 

It is challenging to keep track of who makes the modification in a network environment with thousands of devices and several network administrators. You require NCCM software to assist you. Role-Based Access Control in Network Configuration Manager provides the best network configuration and change management solution for this (RBAC).

 

Network Configuration Manager prevents data misuse using access control:

 

  • Administrator: Access all devices and perform adjustments.
  • Power-user with restricted admin permissions; he can only access certain network devices and make modifications; he cannot add or remove additional devices.
  • Operator: He only has restricted access to the devices, therefore before uploading anything or making any changes, he needs the admin’s or power users’ permission.

 

This gives the administrator the power to manage changes to his network, which makes configuration and change management simple to accomplish. It is also possible to generate a report detailing every change made by every user.

 

How can network configuration changes be tracked?

 

These days, data changes are common due to the growing business demands, making change management essential in IT firms. There are numerous network devices and configuration files in a company, making it difficult to manually trace every change performed there. You can easily manage and track changes with an NCCM tool. With the aid of change management, Network Configuration Manager assists in keeping track of all modifications made in real-time.

 

Benefits of network change management: 

 

  • Receive quick change notifications that include the change’s author.
  • Obtain the Time and Date of the Change.
  • After the modifications are saved, restart the automated configuration.

 

How can I get alerts right away when my configuration changes?

 

Examining each modification made to settings is crucial when managing them. Unrecognized configuration errors may cause device downtime and have an impact on network performance. Using Network Configuration Manager’s change notification option will stop this from happening.

 

Network Configuration Manager sends notifications via: 

 

  • Email
  • SNMP traps
  • Syslog messages
  • Trouble tickets

 

If you notice unfavorable changes in vulnerable equipment such as core routers or firewalls, you can roll back to a previous version or the baseline version.

Network Configuration and Change Management (NCCM) is a set of processes and practices aimed at effectively managing and controlling network device configurations and changes within an organization’s network infrastructure. It involves the implementation of tools, policies, and procedures to ensure consistent, secure, and efficient network configuration management.

 

Configuration Discovery and Inventory:

    • Perform an initial discovery of network devices to identify and document their configurations.
    • Maintain an up-to-date inventory of network devices, including their hardware and software details.

Configuration Baselines:

    • Establish baseline configurations that represent the desired standard for network devices.
    • Define and document configuration templates, standards, and best practices to ensure consistency across the network.

Configuration Backup and Restore:

    • Regularly back up network device configurations to protect against data loss and enable recovery.
    • Ensure backups are stored securely and can be easily restored when needed.

Change Request Management:

    • Implement a formalized change request process to control and track configuration changes.
    • Require users to submit change requests that include details such as the reason for the change, expected outcomes, and potential risks.

Change Evaluation and Approval:

    • Evaluate change requests to assess their impact on the network infrastructure.
    • Perform a risk assessment to determine the potential consequences of the proposed changes.
    • Obtain appropriate approvals from stakeholders before implementing changes.

Change Implementation:

    • Execute approved changes in a controlled manner to minimize disruptions and ensure successful deployment.
    • Follow proper change management procedures, including validation and testing before implementing changes in the production environment.

Change Documentation and Communication:

    • Document all changes made to network configurations, including the details of the change, who made it, and when.
    • Communicate changes to relevant stakeholders, such as network administrators and end-users, to manage expectations and minimize confusion.

Configuration Auditing and Compliance:

    • Regularly audit network configurations to identify discrepancies and ensure compliance with security policies and regulatory requirements.
    • Conduct configuration audits using automated tools to detect unauthorized or non-compliant configurations.
    • Take corrective actions to address any identified issues and maintain a secure and compliant network environment.

Configuration Version Control:

    • Implement version control mechanisms to track and manage configuration changes over time.
    • Maintain a history of configuration revisions to facilitate rollback to previous configurations if necessary.

Configuration Monitoring and Reporting:

    • Monitor network device configurations to identify any unauthorized or unplanned changes.
    • Set up alerts and notifications to promptly detect configuration drift or anomalies.
    • Generate reports on configuration changes, compliance status, and performance metrics to gain insights and support decision-making.