What does IPAM mean?

Our current world depends a lot on IP addresses. Without them, networks can’t communicate, people’s devices can’t access networks, the Internet of Things can’t connect, cloud computing can’t work properly, etc. So the dependency of IP addresses is clear, isn’t it? 

IP addresses are demanded for many different purposes, daily and in massive amounts. As a result, their management has become an annoying headache for administrators in charge of the task. Just this can get you hours busy since we talk about hundreds or thousands of IP addresses if the network is extensive.

In this context, IPAM is hope, a great solution you should know because IPAM means IP address management! 

Why IPAM is so important?

What else does IPAM mean?

Internet Protocol Address Management (IPAM) means software for planning, administrating, and monitoring the information related to the IP address space on networks. This software is an efficient tool, with a practical interface, for automating the IP addresses tasks that must be executed on a daily basis. It considerably reduces the chances of human errors while manually registering information on the typical spreadsheets.

For instance:

• Administration of DHCP and DNS. The first provides and the second resolves IP addresses to hosts in TCP/IP type of networks.
• Search of available IP addresses.
• Supply IP address for devices to get connected to the network.
• Finding and reclaiming abandoned IP addresses on a network.
• Monitoring IP addresses’ status to register their details.
• Reservation of unique IP addresses.
• Providing the hostnames associated with IP addresses. 
• Real-time visualization of subnets and devices using them.
• Automatic updates of IP addresses.
• Showing the routers used by each device connected to the network.
• Automatic creation and clearing of DNS A records and PTR on virtual machines. 
• IP management for virtual environments.
• Reporting mismatched DNS entries, IP addresses issues, available capacity of subnets, etc.
• Changing subnets and websites from IPv4 to IPv6. 
• And much more!

How does IPAM work?

IPAM software is a service supplied by different vendors on the market. You can find paid but also free choices.

IPAM needs information from important components of every network to operate: the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), the Domain Name System (DNS), and IP addresses.

Besides, IPAM uses the Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) input to obtain details from all machines on the network. The simple network management protocol (SNMP) to get and order data related to IP network devices.

Additionally, IPAM has efficient tools for monitoring. Through this combo, the software can manage the IP address space of a network. IPAM creates a very well-organized and accessible database with all the information and statistics it collects and produces.

Pros of IPAM.

• Ease of use. You can control the software and all its settings from a friendly interface.
• Automated and more efficient administration of the address space.
• Clear visibility of all IP resources.
• Automation of DNS-DHCP configurations, real-time updates of hosts connecting and disconnecting from a TCP/IP network. Detailed reports.
• Higher reliability while reducing the chances of misconfigurations, overlapped subnets, IP addresses conflicts.
• DNS/DHCP/RIR integration to IPAM allows it to update A DNS records and lease information efficiently.
• Prevention of security breaches. Permanent monitoring and visibility IPAM provides of all network resources help protect from malicious activity.
• Detecting issues and fixing them is easier and faster since it doesn’t have to be done manually. 

Conclusion.

IPAM means higher productivity for your network. Put it in charge of the routine tasks to focus on the biggest challenges of your business. Do you need more reasons to give IPAM a try? 

Tags: Internet Protocol Address ManagementIPIP addressIPAM