Did you know that organizations, on average, spend 30 minutes to 2 hours to configure each device in the network and at least 15 minutes to make changes to an existing configuration? (Source: IDC)
Have you ever calculated how much time you could save if your switches were automatically configured? Manual configuration is common practice, but today’s complex networks require agile solutions. To keep pace with modern networks, where users constantly move and new devices are added every minute, network management solutions must evolve to simplify configuration rollouts and support solutions at scale. Automating network configuration management reduces time spent on redundant tasks, minimizes manual configuration errors, and ensures your network runs at peak performance while also optimizing security.
HPE Aruba Networking Central provides network administrators and operators with a variety of configuration options for HPE Aruba Networking CX switches – at no additional cost!
This blog is a part of the series titled “4 ways Central can simplify CX switch management.” My first blog explored the monitoring, reporting, and troubleshooting capabilities on CX switches offered by Central, whereas my second blog details the guided workflows and configuration options on Central that can streamline CX switch management.
Choose from three configuration options
There are several configuration options to choose from for both new customers and existing customers:
- Day 0 and Day 1 operations - IT admins can choose between two methods for configuring and deploying networks: The first is the guided setup of Aruba Central NetConductor network wizard, which automatically identifies the network configuration and deploys it with minimal user input. Port profiles is another method, enabling comprehensive configuration of switch ports, which can be simultaneously applied to up to 1000 switches. Both methods help save time and reduce manual errors, making them valuable tools for organizations managing multiple switches.
- Day N operations – Once the basic network topology is identified and configured, customers can use GUI-based workflows to configure individual switches for more detailed configurations. This allows switch-by-switch configuration at every layer of the network. Alternatively, customers can use multi-editor, which enables synchronous configuration changes on multiple switches with common configuration requirements. These methods are used for advanced configuration once the basic network topology is identified and they enable network administrators to achieve the most accurate configuration of switches, reducing network downtime or performance issues.
- Move existing switches to Central - Existing customers can also seamlessly move to Central without having to reconfigure their switches. The current configuration is applied, and modifications can be made using GUI-based workflows or multi-editor.
All these options offer built-in device validation, making it easy for network admins to stage, test, and roll out changes, while ensuring compliance with existing policies and criteria. Network admins can choose the most suitable method based on their specific requirements, enhancing network stability and ensuring optimal network performance.
How a large university set up their infrastructure
Now, let us look at how a large university with geographically dispersed sites was able to configure their new CX infrastructure effectively within a two-month summer break by leveraging these options.
To expedite the process, the university leveraged Central NetConductor network wizard's guided setup to deploy their Layer 3 networks by automatically identifying the topology. With port profiles, they effortlessly replicated configurations across the first seven ports of their access switches to which all desktops were connected, eliminating the arduous task of individual port configuration. Subsequently, they leveraged UI-based configuration for incremental updates to selected switches. This approach allowed them to efficiently configure their infrastructure and make updates as needed, ultimately improving their network performance.
Optimize your infrastructure and automate operations
Central provides the flexibility to choose from several configuration methods to optimize network infrastructure and drive seamless operations. This approach effectively minimizes errors, enhances efficiency, and amplifies the end-user experience, given their reliance on the network for daily tasks.
Moreover, these configuration capabilities are encompassed within the all-inclusive Central license, ensuring cost-effectiveness and eliminating the need for additional investments.
Isn't it great that you don’t have to purchase and manage a separate configuration management solution?
Learn more
Click here to learn more about NetConductor. Additionally, take a closer look at the data sheet to learn how Central offers unified cloud-native network management for wired, wireless and WAN. You can also take the demo and experience the solution first-hand.
This is part 2 of a 4-part blog series. Read the series:
Part 1: Optimize CX switch performance using HPE Aruba Networking Central
Part 3: Real-time AI-powered CX switch insights with HPE Aruba Networking Central
