Have you ever wondered how every device is looking for an Internet connection? And they are so many! This happens daily and all around the world. With the growing number of laptops, smartphones, tablets, and other devices, network management is becoming very complex.
Imagine how time-consuming it is to assign IP addresses or to track them. And network administrators have so many more responsibilities to comply with. It is not a choice to do this manually. In that case, IP address management (IPAM) is very beneficial.
What is IPAM?
IPAM (IP Address Management) is a method of planning, monitoring, and administrating the information associated with IP address space. IPAM software helps network administrators manage the available IPs.
This kind of software brings a simple solution, and it can automate IP management, DNS, and DHCP configurations.
IPAM (IP Address Management) is the administration of DNS and DHCP, the network services that assign and resolve IP addresses to machines in a TCP/IP network. Usually, tools such as DNS and DHCP are used simultaneously to perform this task. However, true IPAM will stitch these services together so that each one of them is aware of changes in the other. For example, DNS knowing the IP address taken by a client via DHCP, and afterward updating itself respectively.
How does IPAM work?
IPAM (IP Address Management) providers are different, and you can choose from paid and free ones. Overall, IPAM helps with various tasks, and each has its process. There are some differences in the technical way they operate. Let’s explain it in general terms.
IPAM is responsible for managing an essential trio in every network: Domain Name System (DNS), IP addresses, and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). The three give important information for IPAM to manage its tasks.
The IPAM receives information from all your network’s devices by using Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP), neighborhood scanning, and Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). This last protocol can collect and arrange data about IP networks’ devices for modifying it, changing devices’ performance.
Because of the blend of added monitoring and tech tools, IPAM can accumulate the required data to manage the IP address range on your network. You can quickly and easily access all data and statistics. They are stored safely in a database for you.
Key Benefits
Easier administration – Especially for the assignment of address space management. Automation of DNS-DHCP configurations and automatic real-time updates when a host connects/disconnects from TCP/IP network.
Enhanced reliability – Lower chance of misconfigurations by avoiding coinciding subnets and incompatible IP addresses and supporting FQDN. Also, reduced network service downtime and faster troubleshooting.
Reduced complexity – Single interface or a tool for the administrator to manage both private and public address forms. Network exploration to assemble info about hosts connected. IPv6 management ability.
Ensured integrity – Combination with DNS/DHCP is beneficial for IPAM to be updated with “A” Resource Records.
Conclusion
Definitely, IPAM is a good idea for administrating networks. It helps with improving productivity and decreasing the number of errors. Your network administrators would be pleased to use this tool. No more manually filled spreadsheets!