When researching IPAM solutions, there are numerous features to consider. The 11 features that were most important to my decision included:
Ease of use: If the system is easy to use, then task performance is probably going to be faster and a lot more efficient. Look for an IPAM solution with good graphical components that provide you insights into network usage, IP address distribution and state of IP addresses, location and connectivity between network infrastructure components.
Automated discovery: A good IPAM solution can capture information from various methods, but automated discovery remains the most useful method.
Report and view data option: When troubleshooting difficult problems, you’ll need your IPAM solution to generate reports on connectivity. Look for report generation tailored to fit RIRsץ
Simple integration: Look for an IPAM solution that can easily integrate with your current network systems (DNS and DHCP system). Errors may be common and frequent If the systems aren’t properly synchronized. A good IPAM solution works closely with the underlying systems and receives updates as leases are handed out and DNS records are updated. This ensures that it has the most up-to-date information as new devices join the network.
Supports a broad set of networking vendors: Make sure that your IPAM solution supports a broad set of networking vendors’ switches and routers because networks contain infrastructure components from multiple networking vendors. You’ll want to avoid unsupported networking equipment, because these will leave holes in your IPAM database.
Cost-efficient: Prices vary. You can choose high-end, dedicated appliances or free open-source systems. It is important to note: the more you pay, the less training and maintenance you’ll likely need to do.
Ability to track connectivity between virtual and physical infrastructure: A good IPAM solution is able to track the linkage between the virtual machines and physical infrastructure as they are created, moved, and shut down.
IPv6 support: Future-proofing is essential, no matter where you are in the transition.
Historical data: A good IPAM solution maintains historical connection data. This comes in handy when trying to investigate issues with security and compliance.
Ability to assign and manage roles: If you have an organization of people with varying levels of skill sets and responsibility, it is important that your IPAM solution has the ability to assign roles accordingly.
Ability to customize and integrate: Normally, IPAM-related tasks are part of a larger system and IPAM is just part of a workflow. A competent IPAM solution should enable easy integration with the rest of your IT systems, including the server provisioning systems, cloud provisioning systems, and request tracking systems.
Hi @Dovid Gelber ,
Features to look for in a IPAM solutions
Benefits of IPAM
@Shibu Babuchandran Very informative.
When researching IPAM solutions, there are numerous features to consider. The 11 features that were most important to my decision included:
Ease of use: If the system is easy to use, then task performance is probably going to be faster and a lot more efficient. Look for an IPAM solution with good graphical components that provide you insights into network usage, IP address distribution and state of IP addresses, location and connectivity between network infrastructure components.
Automated discovery: A good IPAM solution can capture information from various methods, but automated discovery remains the most useful method.
Report and view data option: When troubleshooting difficult problems, you’ll need your IPAM solution to generate reports on connectivity. Look for report generation tailored to fit RIRsץ
Simple integration: Look for an IPAM solution that can easily integrate with your current network systems (DNS and DHCP system). Errors may be common and frequent If the systems aren’t properly synchronized. A good IPAM solution works closely with the underlying systems and receives updates as leases are handed out and DNS records are updated. This ensures that it has the most up-to-date information as new devices join the network.
Supports a broad set of networking vendors: Make sure that your IPAM solution supports a broad set of networking vendors’ switches and routers because networks contain infrastructure components from multiple networking vendors. You’ll want to avoid unsupported networking equipment, because these will leave holes in your IPAM database.
Cost-efficient: Prices vary. You can choose high-end, dedicated appliances or free open-source systems. It is important to note: the more you pay, the less training and maintenance you’ll likely need to do.
Ability to track connectivity between virtual and physical infrastructure: A good IPAM solution is able to track the linkage between the virtual machines and physical infrastructure as they are created, moved, and shut down.
IPv6 support: Future-proofing is essential, no matter where you are in the transition.
Historical data: A good IPAM solution maintains historical connection data. This comes in handy when trying to investigate issues with security and compliance.
Ability to assign and manage roles: If you have an organization of people with varying levels of skill sets and responsibility, it is important that your IPAM solution has the ability to assign roles accordingly.
Ability to customize and integrate: Normally, IPAM-related tasks are part of a larger system and IPAM is just part of a workflow. A competent IPAM solution should enable easy integration with the rest of your IT systems, including the server provisioning systems, cloud provisioning systems, and request tracking systems.