Network Configuration Management Tools

Best Network Configuration Management Tools

As networks become more intricate, expansive, and smart, networks and network-related technologies are always evolving. The Internet of Things (IoT), software-defined networking, and the cloud all help to accelerate this rise. Businesses must discover strategies to adjust to and manage the configurations of their numerous connected devices in this world of technology that is advancing quickly. 

Both networks and the network management systems that enable them must evolve along with the larger market. Finding the best tool for your company’s needs might be challenging given the variety of solutions available.

before moving on to my reviews of the top tools, let’s go through the fundamentals of network configuration and what to look for in a configuration management solution. LogicVein Network Configuration Manager has the broadest range of features and the most advanced, straightforward user interface. It provides unbeatable value by serving as your one-stop shop for all of your network configuration management needs.

Network Configuration Management Tool Implementation

An essential step in safeguarding your network is controlling the settings of connected devices. Businesses can automate the process of keeping firmware and software patched and current by adopting a network configuration manager. I’ve included summaries of the top network device management tools in this article, including both free open-source and for-pay options, to assist you in selecting the best one for your business. You must take into account your operating system’s requirements, the size of your network, and the constraints of your budget as you evaluate your possibilities.

All networks, whether they be local area networks, wireless networks, or virtual networks, need routine upkeep in the form of correction, modification, and supervision. Companies may quickly gather and analyse data on software applications, hardware components, and other factors to evaluate their performance with the use of network configuration management tools.

Small networks and non-business use are best served by the market’s free network configuration tools. LogicVein stands out among these free open-source solutions thanks to its impressive collection of functions. LogicVein is a suitable option if you run a data centre and have low-level requirements.

Network configuration management (NCM) solutions in particular enable enterprises to log configuration changes, continuously monitor their networks, and, in the event of configuration errors, roll back to earlier states. The tools can be used by an organisation to remotely deploy firmware upgrades to network devices.

While some products only offer the most fundamental functions, others offer extra features like reporting, alerting, and the ability to enforce security, audit, and compliance across many vendor devices. An NCM solution that enables you to establish a baseline or best working configuration to fall back to when your network fails is preferred in addition to the features mentioned above.

Each function’s depth and presentation may vary from one tool to the next. Similar to how the price, scalability, or capacity may change, it is best practice to choose a tool that meets both the present and future needs.

A Network Configuration Management Tool is crucial for businesses and organisations to efficiently manage and control the configurations of their network devices. Here is some suggested content for promoting a network configuration management tool:

• Introduction to Network Configuration Management:

1. 1. • Explanation of the importance of network configuration management for maintaining a stable and secure network environment.
      • Introduction to network configuration management tools as a solution for effectively managing network device configurations.

• Centralised Configuration Management:

1. 1. • Central repository to store, organise, and manage network device configurations.
      • Secure access controls to ensure only authorised personnel can modify configurations.
      • Version control to track and manage changes, allowing for easy rollback if needed.

• Configuration Backup and Restore:

1. 1. • Automated scheduled backups of network device configurations to prevent data loss.
      • Quick and easy restoration of configurations in the event of device failure or misconfiguration.
      • Archiving of historical configurations for audit purposes and compliance requirements.

• Configuration Change Tracking and Auditing:

1. 1. • Detailed tracking of configuration changes, including who made the change, when it was made, and what was modified.
      • Audit logs to maintain a complete history of configuration modifications for compliance purposes.
      • Alerts and notifications for unauthorised or unexpected configuration changes.
   2. Configuration Compliance and Validation:
      • Compliance checks against predefined policies and industry best practices to ensure configurations meet desired standards.
      • Automated validation of configurations to identify inconsistencies or errors.
      • Remediation recommendations to bring configurations into compliance with established guidelines.

• Configuration Deployment and Provisioning:

1. 1. • Automated deployment of configurations to multiple network devices simultaneously, saving time and effort.
      • Provisioning of new devices with standardised configurations for consistency and efficient onboarding.
      • Rollout of configuration changes across the network to ensure consistency and avoid configuration drift.

• Configuration Templates and Templates Library:

1. 1. • Creation of reusable configuration templates for easy and consistent device configuration.
      • Library of predefined templates for common network devices and configurations.
      • Customization of templates to meet specific organisational requirements.

• Compliance Reporting and Documentation:

1. • Customizable reports to demonstrate compliance with regulatory standards and industry frameworks.
   • Documentation of network device configurations for internal audits and regulatory compliance requirements.
   • Visualisation of configuration changes and compliance status for easy monitoring and reporting.
2. Integration and Automation:
   • Integration with network monitoring and management tools for seamless data exchange and comprehensive network management.
   • Automation of configuration tasks through scripting or APIs to streamline operations and minimise errors.
   • Integration with ticketing systems for streamlined incident management and change request tracking.

• Benefits of Network Configuration Management Tool:

1. • Improved network stability and reliability through consistent and error-free configurations.
   • Increased network security by preventing unauthorised or misconfigured device access.
   • Enhanced efficiency and productivity with automated configuration deployment and provisioning.
   • Simplified compliance management through auditing and reporting capabilities.
   • Reduced downtime and faster problem resolution with efficient configuration backup and restoration.

Five easy phases make up the configuration management process:

• The first step is to create a plan that outlines the procedure for documenting, managing, and testing the project configurations. A project overview, management tactics, and an introduction to each item are all included in the plan.
• Determine the configuration requirements: This essential stage can be accomplished by holding a meeting with your stakeholders and going over the deliverables.
• Documentation: Once you have all the configuration needs, you can write them down so that you can compare the modifications to the starting configurations to gauge your progress.
• Track arrangements: Status accounting can be used to track, which is a stage in configuration management that is required. Knowing the previous and current configuration versions is the major goal behind this.
• Testing adherence is a crucial step in ensuring that your software or project complies with the configuration specifications. Alternatively, it is referred to as auditing. This step’s primary goal is to confirm that the final product of your work complies with the specifications.

CONCLUSION

With so many network configuration management solutions available, businesses can select ones that include 30- or 14-day trial versions before making a purchase. It’s advisable to install the utility in a small test environment first, then observe how it performs on your network. In order to really appreciate how much time, workload, and effort can be saved when you have a powerful solution in place to manage your network environment, all businesses—large or small—must give network configuration management technologies a try.