Config Generator (CG) is a free tool from SolarWinds, which puts you
in charge of controlling changes to network routers and other SNMP
devices. You can get started without having to learn complex syntax.
In addition, SolarWinds say that CG can
provide benefits such as tracking policy enforcement, making consistent
change-control procedures, and complying with Federal regulations like FISMA.
The biggest benefit for newbies is that this free product will
provide the impetus to learn more about configuring the SNMP service with
its 'Traps' and 'Communities'.
How to Install the SolarWinds Network Config Generator
I find the hardest part of the install is remembering where I
downloaded the zip file! Otherwise I just followed the standard
procedure, I extracted the application, which is a single file, click the
licence agreement, and let the InstallShield Wizard perform the setup.
After the install completes, the Config Generator launches, and you are ready to
begin. If you need 'find' the application later look on the
start menu, or if all else fails navigate to:
C:\Program Files (x86)\SolarWinds\ConfigGenerator
Should you need to uninstall, then go to the Control Panel, Programs,
scroll down to 'S' for SolarWinds Network Config Generator. It's a
sign of a good freeware program that it uninstalls easily and
completely.
Recommendation: Get extra templates for your Network
Config Generator from the
Thwack forum.
Example of NCG in Action
The Network Config Generator is handy for automatically configuring Cisco routers, which usually have
3000+ lines of code.
Example Templates for Your NCG
/* .CHANGE_TEMPLATE_DESCRIPTION This is a base change
template to act as a starting point for other templates.
.PLATFORM_DESCRIPTION TODO - replace with details of the device
platform the template is targeted at.
.PARAMETER_LABEL @ContextNode NCM Node .PARAMETER_DESCRIPTION
@ContextNode The node the template will operate on. All templates
require this by default. The target node is selected during the first
part of the wizard so it will not be available for selection when
defining variable values.
.PARAMETER_LABEL @SomeVariable1 SomeVariable1 Label
.PARAMETER_DESCRIPTION @SomeVariable1 Enter variable description
and helper text here.
.PARAMETER_LABEL @SomeVariable2 SomeVariable1 Labe2
.PARAMETER_DESCRIPTION @SomeVariable2 Enter variable description
and helper text here. */
//Enter CLI commands CLI { configure terminal //Use
variables in commands sent @SomeVariable1 }
//Optionally iterate through list of interfaces foreach
(@interfaceItem in @ContextNode.Interfaces) { if
(@interfaceItem.InterfaceAlias contains 'sometext') { //Send
these CLI commands CLI { interface
@interfaceItem.InterfaceDescription @SomeVariable1
@SomeVariable2 //Add other CLI commands here } } else
{ //Do something else } }
/* For more script examples appraise the
thwack content exchange at
http://thwack.com/media/ */ }
With Orion Network Configuration Manager You Can:
Run
scripts on more than one device simultaneously.
Create nightly backups of
configs.
Receive automatic change notification.
Detect config policy
violations.
View an inventory of your network device hardware.
There is a growing trend amongst manufacturers of expensive network
utilities to also provide a free version. These free tools have no
time limitations, and they contain all the features that a small network needs. One benefit is that you can
try before your buy. I also like the idea of big companies in effect
subsidising their poorer brethren. But most of all, I like this
new breed of free
utilities because they help me learn more about computer networks.
For small networks the free Network Config Generator (CG) has all the
features that you require - thank you very much SolarWinds. However, if your network grows, or you have a complex
network right now, then consider the extra features of the main man,
namely the
Orion Network Configuration Manager (NCM).
Lookout for a copy of this and other free utilities as you
download the free Network Config Generator.
Possible Problems Using the Server Config Generator
Throughout this appraisal I keep stressing that CG is a free tool, great for getting you
started, it still requires a machine with the SNMP service running, and an
active 'Public' community. If you have any problems then sign up for
SolarWinds Thwack forum, that's where the experts on Config Generator (and
Orion) hang out and they will answer your questions.
For 'Cisco Kids', those with CCNA qualifications, they may face different
problems, namely that CG only monitors one device at a time, and to them I say,
'try the big brother Orion Network Configuration Manager'.
One Solution Configuration Backup SolarWinds also
have the Kiwi CatTools for storing
current and previous versions of your hardware configuration settings
Help From Thwack Forum
SolarWinds have a thriving Thwack support forum. Once you have
registered you can get answers to your questions. This is one of
the best run forums on the internet, join the geeks at
SolarWinds
NCG forum here.
Summary of SolarWinds Free Network Config Generator
This SolarWinds freeware utility puts you in charge
network routers and other SNMP devices. If you have paid for the
features of a router, then make sure that you check out the settings and adjust them
to suit your network. Remember to customize the CG by creating
your own templates.
Additional Free and Trial Network Software
Here are my reviews of tried and tested applications to monitor your network. Most of these
utilities are free, while the others
are the full program, but time restricted.
SolarWinds are a great source of free specialist tools. A constant
theme is a free gadget for testing, backed-up with a comprehensive suite for
programs for larger organizations. I like the way that big companies
subsidise their smaller brethren... until they become large companies!
Guy Recommends:
SolarWinds' NPM - Network Performance Monitor
SolarWinds' performance monitor is designed for detecting network outages,
making it easy to see what's working, and what needs your attention.
This utility guides you through creating network maps; it also helps
identifying whether the
root cause is faulty equipment, or resource overload. Give NPM a try.
