Network automation software

Once an image has been stored, it can be applied to any device and even in bulk to a large number of devices. This automation is a great time saver for large networks. The software for the system installs on Windows Server and Linux. It is available for a day free trial.

TrueSight Network Automation from BMC Software provides automated processes for the on-boarding, management, and security of network devices. A key feature of this network automation tool is its design that coordinates with the compliance requirements of a long list of data security standards.

Network managers can select a set of policies from the TrueSight setup menu that specifies the security to follow. Once this setting has been specified, the TrueSight system adapts to fully comply with that standard.

Once set, the standards compliance module recommends the settings for each network device. On starting service, the tool scans the network for all devices and logs them.

Once listed, those devices can be reconfigured automatically by TrueSight Network Automation according to the selected standard. The network discovery process continues throughout the service life of the tool. This sweep looks for new devices and also checks on the settings of devices already enrolled in TrueSight management. If any of the settings are detected as changed, TrueSight automatically rolls it back to the standardized setting, logging the change as it removes the unauthorized change.

TrueSight can be set to automatically rollout any patches and updates to the firmware of all monitored devices. It is also possible to specify a required manual approval and individual on-demand updates can also be applied through the system. The rConfig system is a free, open-source network configuration manager. Despite not having a commercially funded development team behind it, rConfig has many key network automation features found in its fully-funded rivals.

This automation tool includes network discovery. This process is continuous, which means that the software detects all devices when it is first installed and then continues to detect changes to the network infrastructure. Each discovered network device is logged in an inventory and then its automated management can begin. The tool is able to back up all the settings of all devices. It is also possible, through rCongif, to create a standard-setting on one device, back it up, and then apply it to all devices of the same make and model.

With each successive network sweep, rConfig retakes an image of each device. The network manager can set up a script to compare each snapshot to the standardized backup. Although this process is not fully automated within the rConfig environment, it is sufficient to detect unauthorized changes. The rConfig dashboard includes the Configuration Compliance Manager , which stores data security standards requirements and highlights differences in the ideal settings for compliance and the configurations of devices running the network.

WhatsUp Gold , from Progress Software Corporation, is a network monitoring and monitoring package that can be enhanced through add-on modules.

The Network Configuration Management module performs network scans at regular intervals. Each identifies all devices currently operating on the network and logs them in an inventory. The discovery service then documents all of the settings on each device, making them visible in the system dashboard.

The network manager can create a standard setup for each category of device and model and then automatically roll that out to all devices of the same type. Once a standardized configuration has been stored and implemented on all devices, successive system sweeps identify any divergence from that standard setup. This identifies unauthorized changes and the network manager gets notified of such an incident by an alert. The manager then has the option of rolling back the changes on demand.

Alternatively, the Network Configuration management system can be set up to cancel unexpected changes automatically. The Network Configuration Manager also facilitates updates and patches to network devices. The system can be set to roll out updates automatically or list new updates for approval. Patches can also be applied manually through the system. All actions concerning device configurations are logged, providing an audit trail.

These logs are needed for any data security standards compliance audits. WhatsUp Gold is a network performance monitor. So, network operations get automatically and recursively tested by the main system of WhatsUp Gold, while the Network Configuration management add-on repeatedly checks on the configurations of network devices. The combination of these two services provides full automation of network device management and monitoring.

Suppliers of network tools are both inventive and competitive. This means that just about every aspect of network management is now supported by the availability of a suitable tool. Also, as soon as one network management tool provider thinks of a new field to support, every other player in the market comes up with its own version of that utility.

So, there are a lot of different automation tools that cater to different aspects of network management and lots of competitors vying to supply a utility to perform each function. In order to make this list of recommended automation tools more manageable, we have narrowed down the requirements to tools that enable the automated management of network devices. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam.

Learn how your comment data is processed. Comparitech uses cookies. More info. Menu Close. We are reader supported and may receive a commission when you make purchases using the links on our site. Traditionally, network administrators used command-line utilities to perform their tasks. However, network management has now become too complicated to rely on manual workflows.

We take a look at the best network automation tools for managing your network. Stephen Cooper. It is able to create a standard setup, backup that configuration, and roll it out to all other devices of the same make and model. Start a day free trial. This is a cloud-based service.

ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager A full network device management package that includes configuration backup and centralized control of all device settings. TrueSight Network Automation A network automation system that includes workflows to manage network devices.

Benefits of network automation Key areas where network monitoring is improved by automation include: Device health monitoring Traffic flows and network capacity checks Connection efficiency Security monitoring As well as launching searches and tests repetitively, automation tools have a big advantage over manual implementation because they eliminate human error.

Network management automation Just as standard monitoring methods can be performed with greater dexterity through automation, management tasks can also benefit by implementing them through automated tools.

Key areas of network management that are improved by automation include: Access rights management Capacity planning Incident response Continuity management Configuration management IP address management System maintenance Network automation tools can repeat the same task over and over again, rippling out changes to many devices, updating cross-references in different systems.

Network automation is the process of automating the configuring, managing, testing, deploying, and operating of physical and virtual devices within a network. With everyday network tasks and functions automated and repetitive processes controlled and managed automatically, network service availability improves.

Any type of network can use network automation. Hardware- and software-based solutions enable data centers, service providers, and enterprises to implement network automation to improve efficiency, reduce human error, and lower operating expenses.

One of the biggest issues for network managers is the growth of IT costs for network operations. The growth of data and devices is starting to outpace IT capabilities, making manual approaches nearly impossible. Yet up to 95 percent of network changes are performed manually, resulting in operational costs 2 to 3 times higher than the cost of the network.

Increased IT automation, centrally and remotely managed, is essential for businesses to keep pace in the digital world. With network automation, you'll quickly and easily design, provision, and apply policy across your network.

And in your journey to automation, you choose the path and the pace. Work with existing network and policy definitions, migrate as fast or slow as you'd like, or start from scratch. Whatever your path, the Cisco Customer Experience team can help you strategize, deploy, and manage your network. Automating upgrades, patches, and security updates and executing on Cisco DNA Assurance enhancements.

Cisco DNA automation capabilities transform previously manual onboarding, configuration, provisioning, and software management processes to simplify and scale network operations and greatly minimize configuration errors.

From programmable infrastructure, to single-pane of glass management and common policy for data center operations, Cisco provides network automation tools to seamlessly move apps and data between on-premises data centers and clouds. Cisco's intent-based, closed-loop automation portfolio offers service providers comprehensive solutions for full-lifecycle network management to improve agility, scalability, operational excellence, and customer experience.

Only Cisco can deliver everything you need in such a way that helps position your network for now and later. Cisco gives IT time back from time-consuming, repetitive network configuration tasks so you can focus on the innovation your business needs.

Cisco offerings are made to work together to provide you with the elements you need for network automation. Migrate at a pace that makes you comfortable. Import your former work on device mapping and policies. Software defines how our hardware, software, fabric digital automation, and nonfabric base automation work together. Only Cisco can deliver IBNs that leverage automation, intelligence, and human expertise in such a way that helps simplify complexity, optimize IT, and reduce operational costs.

With proven experience, best practices, and innovative tools, we help you confidently move to a secure, automated, intent-based network. Skip to content Skip to search Skip to footer. Solutions What Is Network Automation? Watch video Contact Cisco. Get a call from Sales. Webinars Bonus Offers Compare Vendors. What is network automation? Why automate your network?