With growing businesses and employees, the number of devices connecting to a network has grown considerably. One of the significant challenges network administrators encounter because of it is the management and maintenance of IP addresses and devices. Previously, IP management was an easy task when the number of devices connected to a network was limited. However, it is no longer the case as the network has become increasingly dynamic. It goes without saying that IP management is essential to ensure network security. It is where IP address management kicks in.
What Is IP Address Management?
IP Address Management, or IPAM, is a process that plans, tracks, and further manages information connected with the network’s IP address space. IPAM software is essential as it automates and simplifies IP space management.
For example, with IPAM software, one does not need to manually check the IP address on What Is My IP, as the task is automated. With IPAM software, it is possible to manage thousands of IP addresses without taking the manual burden of it. Now that we know the meaning of IPAM, let us look at its business benefits.
1. Centralized Repository
IPAM offers the business a centralized repository of all the IP addresses of the devices connected to a network, including the public and private subnets. Thus, it helps maintain and manage IP address allocations and assignments. Furthermore, it makes it possible to look at the status of IP addresses and also provides the business with the hostname associated with the addresses.
2. Easy Administration
Additionally, IPAM ensures easy administration of address space delegation. It provides better visibility of the different IP resources across the various platforms. It can also be used for the automatic configuration of DNS-DHCP. Also, it gives the administrator real-time updates on the host connection and disconnection from the TCP/IP network.
3. Better Security
IPAM ensures a high level of security. When dealing with multiple IP addresses, ensuring that all the collected data are safe is important. Further, if the IP addresses fall into the wrong hands, it can result in a data breach, damaging the business’s reputation. IPAM software comes with increased security, and the monitoring of the IP addresses also ensures its security.
4. Capacity Planning
Keeping track of address space allocation is crucial, as one can quickly run out of IP addresses if it is not taken care of. Another challenge associated with its limitation is the subscribers, which can disrupt business operations. Therefore, with an increase in the number of IPs, IP Address Management becomes essential for business growth.
5. Secure Remote Access
Nowadays, remote work has become increasingly common. Subsequently, the team often requires access to the office network from their office. However, it raises concerns about on-premise and cloud security. IPAM management supports an IP allow list, which controls who is accessing what based on the permission. Thus, it ensures that the employees only access the data they need instead of sensitive business data.
6. Enhanced Reliability
In a growing network, the problem of misconfigurations, IP address conflict and overlapping subnets are common. The overall impact of these problems can create hurdles in the organization’s entire network. Further, it increases the workload of the network administrators. IPAM software enforces a Fully Qualified Domain Name, which not only aids in risk reductions but also helps troubleshoot.
7. Reduced Risk Of Human Error
Going manually through several IP addresses is arduous and very hectic. Subsequently, human error in such a scenario is common, which can create problems in both short- and long-term issues. On the other hand, with IPAM software, one can be sure about the accuracy of the data. Therefore, it also ensures that one makes an informed decision based on the correct data.
Lastly, IPAM helps maintain network health by addressing IP address duplicity and conflict. Therefore, it helps the organization meet their compliance needs. Also, it presents the organization with an overall view of network health while considering the different aspects of IP addresses. Such a detailed report helps know the status of all the devices connected to the network and also helps monitor the organization’s network. The market is filled with numerous free and paid IPAM software which organizations should try if the number of IP addresses it has to deal with is increasing steadily.
