How SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager Automate Workflow

BY MARYAM AHTASHAM
calendar_today   MARCH 14, 2024
SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager
In the realm of network management, the ability to efficiently manage and maintain device configurations is paramount. SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager (NCM) stands out as a comprehensive solution designed to streamline the management of network configurations across diverse environments. This blog will delve into the key features, benefits, and functionalities of SolarWinds NCM, exploring how it empowers organizations to achieve greater efficiency, compliance, and security in their network infrastructure.

Understanding Network Configuration Management

SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager encompasses the processes and tools used to manage and control the configurations of network devices such as routers, switches, firewalls, and more. Effective configuration management ensures consistency, reliability, and security within the network infrastructure. SolarWinds NCM serves as a central hub for configuration management, providing administrators with the tools they need to automate repetitive tasks, enforce compliance policies, and mitigate risks associated with configuration changes.

Key Features of SolarWinds NCM

SolarWinds NCM's features brings numerous benefits to organizations of all sizes and industries.

Network Insight for Palo Alto Networks

Gain enhanced visibility into Palo Alto Networks firewalls, alongside Cisco ASA firewalls and Cisco Nexus switches. This feature enables administrators to understand policy configurations, interface configurations, and policy management for Palo Alto Network firewalls. Integration with NetFlow Traffic Analyzer (NTA) provides insights into traffic conversations by policy, enhancing context and understanding.

Flexible Deployment Options With Azure SQL Database

SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager provides flexible deployment options, allowing deployment either on-premises or in the cloud with Azure SQL Database or Amazon RDS. This flexibility empowers administrators to tailor their deployment according to their specific needs and infrastructure requirements.

Config-to-Config Diff View

Administrators can now compare configuration-to-configuration differences in addition to baseline-to-configuration differences. This feature facilitates the quick identification of changes within configurations, aiding in troubleshooting and ensuring network integrity.

Configuration Change Automation

Simplify and standardize recurring or complex configuration changes by creating vendor-neutral scripts. These scripts can be scheduled and executed on various network devices, including those from Cisco, Palo Alto Networks, Juniper, HP, Dell, Brocade, F5, Aruba, Ruckus, and more.

Configuration Backup and Restore

Quickly recover from configuration changes or device failures by maintaining up-to-date device configuration archives. This ensures that administrators can restore configurations efficiently in the event of unexpected incidents.

Change Monitoring

Receive alerts when configurations change, allowing administrators to trace the changes back to the specific device and view the modifications made. This proactive monitoring helps maintain network security and compliance.
SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager

Change Management and Firmware Upgrades

Review and approve proposed changes using an integrated change approval workflow. Role and access permissions control who can make changes, enhancing collaboration and delegation. The NCM Firmware Upgrade feature supports upgrading Lenovo and Juniper devices, with multi-grouping functionality for rapid deployment of bulk changes.

Baseline and Configuration Drift

Identify out-of-compliance configurations using multi-device baselines, saving time and ensuring network integrity. Utilize baseline diff viewer to quickly identify changes within configurations critical to network operations.

Network Insight for Cisco Nexus and Cisco ASA

Gain insights into interface configurations, access control lists (ACLs), and virtual device contexts for Cisco Nexus and Cisco ASA devices. This includes features such as backup and restore of config files, visualization and auditing of ACLs, and firmware upgrades.
SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager

IOS Vulnerability Scanning

Automatically identify IOS vulnerabilities to improve network security, and easily upgrade IOS firmware to mitigate these vulnerabilities.

Integration with Network Performance Monitor

Integration with NPM's NetPath feature allows administrators to see when a configuration in the network service path changes. This integration facilitates the identification of performance or configuration issues on key network devices.

What are the Benefits?

  • Network Configuration Manager (NCM) offers comprehensive support for major network device vendors like Cisco, Palo Alto Networks, Juniper, and more.

  • Multi-device baselines are available for identifying out-of-compliance configurations efficiently, allowing the use of a single baseline or multiple baselines across the network to monitor critical configurations.

  • Deployment options include both on-premises and cloud-based solutions.

  • NCM, built on the Orion Platform, allows seamless integration with additional network monitoring modules such as network performance monitoring, NetFlow traffic analysis, WAN management, VoIP, device tracking, and IP address management, all accessible through a single web console.

  • Device configurations are audited for compliance with standards such as NIST FISMA, DISA STIG, HIPAA, and DSS PCI.

  • SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager identifies IOS devices with potential vulnerabilities using the NIST CVE repository service and provides tools for managing investigation, remediation, or waiver of each vulnerability.

  • Automatic backups of device configurations are set up with the ability to roll back to the last known good configurations if needed.

  • Automated bulk deployment of standardized device configurations is facilitated by NCM.

Ending Notes

In today's fast-paced digital landscape, effective network configuration management is essential for ensuring the reliability, security, and performance of enterprise networks. SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager (NCM) emerges as a robust solution that empowers organizations to take control of their network configurations with ease and confidence. By automating routine tasks, enforcing compliance policies, and providing actionable insights, NCM enables organizations to optimize their network infrastructure and focus on strategic initiatives. With SolarWinds NCM, organizations can embark on a journey towards network management excellence, driving efficiency, agility, and innovation across their IT operations.