IP address management solution (IPAM): overlay vs replace

If your company still uses workbooks to manage tens of thousands of IP addresses, pay attention to the fact that many smart engineers have begun purchasing IP Address Management (IPAM) solutions. This seems strange, but IPAM and IPv6 projects have many things in common-they are both essential, but they are not a high-priority IT job. However, there are also differences: the advantages of IPv6 cannot offset the time and risk required for Migration at the moment. However, using integrated IPAM is easier than IPv6 migration, and IT does not disrupt the IT project plan. In addition, its advantages will soon become apparent.

The common goal of the IPAM solution is to simplify network configuration and improve delivery reliability, which reduces application interruptions and desktop support requests. IP address problems (such as subnet depletion) may make the user unable to connect to the network. In addition, IP address conflicts in the data center may abort access to enterprise services, such as emails. The IPAM solution can quickly solve these problems.

Two IPAM solutions: replacement and superposition

There are two common methods to achieve Domain Name System (DNS), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and IPAM (DDI) solutions: replacement and superposition.

If you are in a large organization with sufficient budget, IP address delivery infrastructure replacement may be the best choice. Organizations that have hybrid technologies, address spaces, suppliers, and teams due to mergers and acquisitions (M & A) are particularly suited to this approach, because migration and integration of some systems is easier to obtain approval from the supervisor. The key to success is to use a replacement method to ensure that the business operations department, Budget Department, IT management departments at all levels, and the team can support the change.

However, in most environments, IPAM overlays are more efficient and easier to implement. Generally, organizations that have delivered daily services reliably using DHCP and DNS are more likely to choose the IPAM stack method. In their existing technologies, what they usually lack is change management, new subnet configuration, and IP reservation. Of course, they also want to add automated network discovery, reporting, alerting, and planning tools. Generally, the IPAM stack product in the form of software is connected to the existing DHCP and DNS components.

The main advantage of stack strategy lies in phased deployment. It requires only a small amount of manpower and has low risks, because the service delivery components are still working normally in the original position. In addition, the IPAM stack product can also adopt phased network design. Because overlapping products must integrate various suppliers and service providers, the same automation features of the latest deployment and discovery in IP subnet, server or campus network can also be used to integrate fragmented networks.

Can IPAM change the Administrator to VP? Not necessarily

No product can turn an administrator into a vice president. However, the correct implementation of IPAM does give enterprise administrators or IT managers the opportunity to become stars. With IPAM, you can deliver a compelling IT project that can almost immediately improve user experience, increase IT agility, and reduce support costs. In addition, compared with other IT infrastructure, these projects have relatively low costs.