Configuration Management IACT 418/918 Autumn 2005 Gene Awyzio SITACS University of Wollongong

2 Overview Configuration Definitions –OED: Arrangement of parts or elements in a particular form or figure –OED: The way the constituent parts of a computer system are chosen or interconnected in order to suit it for a particular task or use; the units or devices required for this –Websters: 1 a : relative arrangement of parts or elements: as (1) : Shape (2) : functional arrangement –Webster: 1 b : something (as a figure, contour, pattern, or apparatus) that results from a particular arrangement of parts or components

3 Overview Configuration Management is the process of –Obtaining data from the network –Using that data to manage the setup of all network devices Involves –Gathering information about the current configuration of the network –Using that data to modify the network configuration of devices –Storing the data –Maintaining an up-to-date inventory –Producing reports on that data

4 Benefits of the Configuration Management Process Enhanced control over configuration of network devices –Rapid access to config data Speeds up re-configuration Examples: –Configuration data holds the current setup of each device –If you wanted to add more interfaces to the device you would need to know Current number of interfaces in that device Network addresses assigned to those interfaces –Config management would hold that data and enable rapid access

5 Benefits of the Configuration Management Process Also assists in modification of network devices –Remote deactivation etc –Remote changes Inventory control can be used to –Negotiate vendor contracts –Examine vendor quality

6 Accomplishing Configuration Management Configuration Management steps –Gathering information about the current configuration of the network –Using that data to modify the network configuration of devices –Storing the data –Maintaining an up-to-date inventory –Producing reports on that data

7 Collecting Data Manually Obtaining data often begins with a manual collection –Need to record the devices Serial number Address assignment –Store data in a spreadsheet, database etc –This can be tedious and error prone for large networks

8 Collecting Data Manually Data can be collected automatically –Using network management protocol –Autodiscovery

9 Autodiscovery Can be implemented using ICMP echo (PING) to every possible address –When device answers record details –Advantage: will discover every working device on network –Disadvantage: wasted bandwidth and time querying non-existent devices

10 Autodiscovery Could also find one device and then query it to discover what other devices it has communicated with recently –All network devices discovered in a breadth first search manner –Advantage: works quickly –Disadvantage: May fail to find a device that has not communicated with the network recently Can also help produce a graphical map of the current network

11 Autodiscovery

12 Autodiscovery

13 Modifying data Once configuration management information has been collected it will usually need to be updated and maintained –With a 5000 node network even if 1% of those machines required a change once a week that would be  50 changes per week Addresses are only ONE of the parameters that need to be tracked Manual system are inefficient and error prone –What happens if an engineer forgets to record the changes –Thames vs Thomas Configuration management systems can record these changes automatically

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17 Storing Data Configuration management should also provide information storage –Centralised storage provide the network engineer with efficent access to configuration data

18 Storing Data Currently a DBMS is considered the most efficient manner to store this data –Advantages Enables large amounts of data to be stored on a single computer Fast searching Automatic sorting of data Restoration of lost data Data relationships –Disadvantages Complex administration procedures May us its own language Tends to be platform or OS specific (lack of portability)

19 Configuration Management on a Network Management System Simple –Provide central storage of network information Network addresses Serial numbers Physical location –Include an autodiscovery device for finding all devices on network

20 Configuration Management on a Network Management System More Complex –Automatic comparison of current to stored configuration Automatic update??? –Automapping of network –Graphical display of configurations Physical Logical

21 Configuration Management on a Network Management System Advanced –Use a relational database –Automatic generation of reports Inventory reports Change reports Vendor control reports Warranty reports Repair reports –Provide for evaluation Duplication of addresses Duplication of function

22 Generating Configuration Reports Reports should typically include –For devices Name Network address Serial number Manufacturer Operating system Local person responsible Could also list –Circuit numbers –Vendor contact name –Physical location

23 Generating Configuration Reports Reports should typically include –Summary of recent changes Listed by category Include –Who made the changes –When changes were made Categories could include –New devices –Replaced devices –Modified devices

24 Generating Configuration Reports Reports should typically include –Summary of network inventory All details from device report Length and type of warranty Complete upgrade history Service history …