Network Automation Tool

Network configuration automation is the process of deploying network automation methodologies to automatically configure, track, and manage network configurations. Using a powerful network automation tool or network automation software not only eliminates human error, but it also reduces operational expenses. This is why choosing an appropriate and best network automation tool is crucial for an ideal network performance.

Network Configuration Manager is a network automation solution that automates the important functions like backups, compliance, and change tracking and management, improving overall productivity and reliability.

 

Why do network configurations need a network automation tool?

  • Avoid misconfigurations, which can lead to network outages, poor performance, inconsistencies, non-compliance, and loss of access to a particular subnet or network.
  • Prevent security-related disasters due to failure to stay compliant with industry standard policies.
  • Leverage network automation tools to finish labor-intensive tasks in minutes, for example, enabling SNMP v3 to 20,000 devices at once.
  • Enable 24/7 network monitoring to keep track of vital network information even when out of the office.

Why Network Configuration Manager is a top network automation tool?

With features such as comprehensive dashboards, informative reports, automated firmware updates, and much more, Network Configuration Manager stands above the competition in managing today's complex network configurations. With Network Configuration Manager's iOS app, you gain the power of managing configurations in the palm of your hands. Some of the critical features of Network Configuration Manager include:

Network Configuration Manager features

Here are some of the network automation features of Network Configuration Manager:

  • Configuration backups
  • Configuration change management
  • Firmware vulnerability management
  • Automated compliance auditing for CIS, SOX, HIPAA, and PCI DSS
  • Configlets as automation templates

Configuration backups

Every change made in configurations carries a possibility of an error. In some cases, it even leads to network outages disrupting the normal functioning of crucial network devices. This is why changes made to crucial device configurations should be detected and backed up instantly. With Network Configuration Manager as your automated network configuration automation tool, you can take backups of configurations in three ways:

  • Manual backup: Instantly back up whichever device you want with the click of a button.
  • Scheduled backup: If you want certain backups to run at a particular time or day, you can schedule it accordingly and Network Configuration Manager will take care of it.
  • Syslog-based automated backup: If a user logs off after using Network Configuration Manager, the tool will use syslogs to check if any new change has been made. If yes, then configurations are backed up. If not, then the backup operation is discarded.

Network Automation Solution - ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager

Configuration change management

The major role of a network administrator is to effectively monitor and manage network configurations. But, it is quite a task to gain complete control over a network environment consisting of a large number of network operators working on several configurations. Network automation via a network automation platform eliminates the need to track changes manually. Some of the change management features Network Configuration Manager has are:

  • Real-time change notifications: Network Configuration Manager instantly triggers change notifications in the form of email, SMS, SNMP traps, and syslog notifications whenever there is a configuration change.
  • Role-based access control (RBAC): As a admin, you can assign specific roles and devices to operators. Only those roles assigned will be accessible by operators. The admins can choose to accept or reject any changes made by operators.
  • Configuration versioning and labelling: Label configurations as baseline or stable so that you can use them during a sudden downtime to restore services immediately.
  • Diff View for configuration comparison: Compare two configurations of the same device or two configurations of two different devices side by side. Here, differences and changes are color-coded for better readability.

Best Network Automation Tool - ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager

Firmware vulnerability management

Firmware security is one of the key parameters in a network environment. Managing firmware manually is a hectic task and, in most cases, not efficient. With Network Configuration Manager, you can seamlessly handle firmware vulnerabilities. It collects updated data from NIST and provides a list of devices that are vulnerable along with website links containing patch downloads. Here, the severity is categorized with base scores.

Enterprise Network Automation Tool - ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager 

Automated compliance auditing for CIS, SOX, HIPAA, and PCI DSS

With enterprises finding more and more ways to attain growth in the corporate world, it has only increased the probability of security threats to their network resources. This is why it is mandatory to adhere to both internal and external policies to avoid loopholes and legal issues. Network Configuration Manager, as your enterprise network automation tool, helps administrators achieve compliance with default policies for industry-specific compliance requirements like CIS, SOX, HIPAA, and PCI DSS. You can also create policies from scratch.

Networking Automation Tool - ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager

Configlets as automation script templates

Quite often, admins need to carry out changes to the running configurations of devices, which becomes a repetitive task. The same set of changes might have to be applied to multiple devices, making it a tedious and a time-consuming process. Network Configuration Manager provides Configuration script templates, also known as Configlets, that let users execute access control lists (ACLs) and other troubleshooting commands in bulk, paving the way for increased network security.

Network Configuration Automation Tool - ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager

Two-factor authenticaton for Configlets

To improve security and reduce errors, two-factor authentication (2FA) has been added for Configlet execution. Here, the user is prompted to enter an OTP. Only with the right OTP can the user can proceed with Configlet execution. This works only if the user has enabled 2FA. If the user has not enabled 2FA, then the user can execute Configlets normally without entering an OTP.

Network Automation Platform - ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager 

FAQs on network automation tool

What is a network automation tool?

+

Why is a network automation tool needed?

+

How does a network automation tool work?

+

Customer reviews

Network Configuration Manager
Your peers approve Network Configuration Manager
- Rob Calhoun, W.C. Bradley Company
"Network Configuration Manager has worked very well for us. Their technical support has been outstanding and they have gone above and beyond what I would have expected. I would highly recommend this product for anyone who would like to successfully manage their configuration files for all of their devices. "
Network Configuration Manager
Your peers approve Network Configuration Manager
- Larry Ware, Federal Signal Global Network Boffin
"Manageengine Network Configuration Manager has proven a very useful tool to help Federal Signal, Inc. manage multiple vendors equipment across multiple geographic locations. It has allowed us to effectively manage remote device configurations and implement effective change control for network infrastructure. "
Network Configuration Manager
Your peers approve Network Configuration Manager
- Kevin Spies, Manager of Network Operations, Lightyear Network Solutions, LLC
"Network Configuration Manager is a very powerful configuration management tool. Network Configuration Manager has saved us a great deal of time if a problem does arise because we know we can immediately pull the history of changes made and roll back the running configuration to a last known good configuration if needed. If you are someone that is currently wondering how to get a handle on your configurations changes then Network Configuration Manager is for you."
Network Configuration Manager
Your peers approve Network Configuration Manager
- Neil C. Perry, IT Manager, Stoops Freightliner-Quality Trailer, Inc
"Network Configuration Manager has helped us save a great deal of time in rolling out configuration changes to numerous network devices within minutes rather than hours, or even days. The automated approach on backups allows us to sleep at night knowing that we always have the most up to date configurations of our devices. The web interface quickly gives you a user friendly snapshot of the status of your devices providing you the knowledge of what devices are backed up, not backed up, have start/run conflicts, etc. NCM is by far the biggest bang for your buck on the market. It's an absolute must for network admins of enterprises of all sizes."
 
 

Case Studies - Network Configuration Manager

Network Configuration Manager

Network Configuration Manager - Case Study - Business Continuity for Telecom Service Provider

Industry: Business

Telcommunication services like telephony and internet access are bare essentials in this age for both businesses and residential customers to connect with one another. To enjoy satisfied clientele, Providers offering these services must deliver uniterrupted access, wide coverage, high quality of service, and in the process, maximize efficiency & profits for their customers.

Learn more

Network Configuration Manager

Network Configuration Manager helps Princeton University's network infrastructure stay in top shape

Industry: Business

Princeton University, one of America's top research universities uses ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager to automate Network Configuration Management and upkeep its network infrastructure.

Learn more

Network Configuration Manager

ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager helps leading IT service provider for retailers centrally manage network device configurations

Industry: Business

Bovertis B.V, a leading IT solution/support provider for retail industry in The Netherlands uses Network Configuration Manager to automate the entire life-cycle of device configuration management; saves time, resources and improves productivity.

Learn more
 
 

Resources related to network automation tool