NCM will assist you in creating consistent settings for routers and
other network devices with config files. For example, you can
ensure that only the correct firewall ports are open.
Not only
will you be able to monitor all manner of data vales, but more importantly,
NCM provides the tools to restore settings in the event that someone
makes a mistake, but you cannot quite pin-point the error. For
example, you can upload
scripts to correct problems with community string, passwords or other
device settings.
Yet NCM is much more than just a smart backup program, it can help to
achieve your compliance policy, for example, pinpointing devices not backed
up, or identify routers with weak passwords. If you are one of the many who find inventory auditing a chore, then
save yourself time and hassle by taking advantage of NCM's ability to
self-document setting values for all your networked devices.
Cisco EnergyWise It would probably be over-playing
my hand to claim that energy
savings will pay for Orion NCM, but nevertheless, controlling the energy
consumption of EnergyWise enabled network devices will reduce
costs, and could be a clincher in persuading your financial director to
buy this licensed product. As a bonus reducing energy consumption in the server rooms
could result in cooler, quieter and more pleasant working conditions for
your techies.
For a competent network technician installing NCM is straightforward. Orion Network Configuration Manager is clientless and
uses standard network-based protocols, such as ICMP, SNMP and SSH to
establish communication across the network and his is how it discovers the routers and
other devices. Setup takes about 10
minutes then you are ready to launch a browser,
and start checking the settings.
This product allows administrators to schedule automated
backups of device configurations, as well as to modify a whole range of configurations. The capabilities are so powerful the only danger is
re-configuring dozens
of devices, when you meant to change only one. In addition, the
Orion Network Configuration Manager can scan and detect configuration
policy violations based on both your internal company and federal
compliance standards such as HIPAA or CISP.
Operating Systems for Orion: Windows 2003 or 2008 Server,
including R2 (32-bit or 64-bit). Please note, that you also need to install IIS and .NET Framework 3.5
Resources: CPU Speed: 3.0 GHz; Hard Drive Space: 30 GB; Memory: 4 GB
Database: SQL Server 2005 SP1, or SQL Server 2008 (Express,
Standard, or Enterprise)
2 Databases: NCM v7 requires a core and an NCM
database.
Key point. Knowing where to start can be
daunting, the answer is to register (free) at the Thwack forum, then
research configuration scripts that other techies have kindly posted.
If all else fails, then SolarWinds provides high quality phone and email
technical support for those who purchase their products.
Problems That NCM Can Cure
It surprises me how many computer problems arise from configuration changes. Thus it makes
sense to get a proper monitoring system so that you can double-check that that
all the network device settings conform to your security policy.
The more people who have Admin
privileges on your network then the greater the danger of an accidental mis-configuration.
NCM can alert any of the administrators to the problem, moreover the
management configuration interface has all the tools to correct the
problem, or apply a backup config to only the stricken routers or firewalls.
See more about
NCM on Thwack forum.
Integrating NCM v7 with Orion Products Such as NPM
Version 7 of the Network Configuration Manager integrates with these Orion core components.
Add Orion and NCM Devices.
Synchronize Orion and NCM Databases.
Search Configurations.
Compare Configurations.
Refresh Device Inventories.
Generate and Review Switch Port Maps.
View Recent Configuration Changes.
I also like the way you can configure Orion NCM
actions from Orion NPM alerts.
Summary: Review of SolarWinds NCM 7.0
Orion Network Configuration Manager is ideal for keeping track of
your router, switches or other network devices. If an
unintentional change causes a network problem, then you can restore
backups of last week's settings until you discover what went wrong with
this week's changes.
As novice with routing, running NCM made me realize how much there was to learn about network technologies, fortunately,
this SolarWinds application helped my understanding and appreciation of how
such devices should be configured and protected with self-documenting
all the settings.
More Free and Trial Network Software
Here are Guy's evaluations, recommendations and download links for handy
utilities.
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.
