CIO OPINION to not just survive but also thrive in this new era . For many , this is prompting renewed scrutiny of existing resources and a move toward modern DDI services .
The heart of networking
DNS , DHCP and IP address management ( collectively known as DDI ) play a central role in every network interaction . Here ’ s a brief look at each component .
Domain Name System ( DNS ) – is the starting point for all network interactions . It translates domain names meaningful to humans into the numerical identifiers associated with networking equipment to locate and address these devices worldwide .
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol ( DHCP ) – is used to dynamically assign IP addresses to endpoints . It enables IT teams to more easily keep track of networks , ranges , names and hardware address mappings .
Internet Protocol Address Management ( IPAM ) – is the administration of DNS and DHCP , which are the network services that assign and resolve IP addresses to machines in a TCP / IP network .
DDI essentials
Visibility , automation and control are the key attributes – the framework and the overarching goals – that organisations need to keep in mind as they seek to optimise and secure their networks for new WFH realities . But what are the specific underlying elements and capabilities that will enable them to achieve these ends ? Here ’ s a closer look at the DDI essentials to consider for a robust networking infrastructure .
Centralised Authoritative IPAM Database – A centralised and authoritative IPAM database acts as a single source of truth for all the network-connected assets within the organisation . It empowers IT teams with network discovery and optimum use of resources . Advanced IPAM solutions include this single-source of truth capability , which plays a key role in network optimisation .
Integrated DDI Management – Traditional systems such as BIND / DHCP , Microsoft DNS / DHCP and spreadsheets do not adequately address the needs of a modern network . Integrating IPAM with DNS is crucial to keeping both systems accurate and synchronised . When a new device is deployed on a network , the assignment of an IP address comes first , usually followed immediately by a request to add the host to DNS . By integrating DNS and IPAM , this process becomes a single step-the DNS record is created at the same time as the IP assignment . Integrated DDI extends beyond protocol services such as single-point data entry , accurate address assignment , inter-system data federation , inventory tracking , change control delegation and name resolution . As organisational networks evolve , integrated DDI services become the essential networking technology to link branch offices , remote workers , mobile devices , the cloud and more .
Support for virtual SDN – While the transition to software-defined networking ( SDN ) comes with some noted benefits such as mobility and flexibility ,
www . intelligentcio . com INTELLIGENTCIO AFRICA 39