DNS, DHCP & IPAM (DDI)

In 2009, Gartner recognised the importance of core network services, such as DNS, DHCP and IPAM, by publishing it's first MarketScope report on the subject, and subsequently promoting the term "DDI" (DNS, DHCP & IPAM) to represent this technology sector.

Gartner identified tuscany networks as one of the key players in the market for managed DDI services and we have continued to be recognised in subsequent MarketScope updates.

DNS

The Domain Name System (DNS) is a core network service that is pervasive within all corporate networks. Microsoft Active Directory relies upon it and so do many other services and applications, from file & print, email and web browsing through to corporate wide SAP/ERP/CRM systems. DNS essentially provides a function similar to a telephone directory, whereby a host or service name is converted into an IP address. This allows humans, systems and applications to refer to other systems via a memorable name (e.g. notes-server1) rather than a numeric IP address (e.g. 172.19.36.234).

DHCP

The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is used to dynamically assign IP addresses to devices, removing the need for manual configuration of the IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, DNS servers and various other configuration parameters.

IPAM

IP Address Management (IPAM) can take various forms, from a simple spreadsheet, to a home grown application or an off the shelf system from a manufacturer such as Alcatel-Lucent or Infoblox.

There are several levels of IPAM implementation, each level building upon the functionality provided by the previous level:

1. The first level is the use of IPAM to document IP address space assignment within an organisation, such as the subnets that have been deployed. It is important to document subnets so that conflicts do not occur in the future and also so that a coherent routing strategy can be implemented.
2. The second level is the use of IPAM to document end device IP address assignments. While DHCP may be used independently of IPAM to issue IP addresses, there will still be many static IP addresses configured that need to be documented in order to avoid IP address conflicts. These static addresses will be used on network devices, and may extend to printers, mainframes and servers.
3. The third and final level is the use of IPAM to actually manage the DNS and DHCP services within an organisation. As levels 1 and 2 have already built up the network and host information, it is the next logical step and removes the need to use separate tools to manage the DNS and DHCP infrastructure (e.g. removing the need to hand edit DNS zone files or use the Microsoft MMC DNS/DHCP console snap-ins).

Accumuli Security has an established track record of delivering DDI solutions, having worked with Alcatel-Lucent for over 13 years and Infoblox for 5 years. In 2011, tuscany networks (now Accumuli Security) was recognised by Infoblox as a key player and was awarded 'Partner of the Year for Western Europe'.

DNS & DHCP Activity Monitor

The Accumuli Security DNS and DHCP Activity Monitor enables network administrators to gain visibility of core DDI services by efficiently collecting DNS and DHCP activity and presenting the information within an intuitive web-based user interface.

Infoblox Core Network Services appliances

Infoblox appliances are purpose-built, high-performance hardware devices that form the foundation of Infoblox core network services solutions. Infoblox appliances ship standard with the security-hardened Infoblox NIOS® software and support a variety of Infoblox software packages tailored for specific applications. All models can be deployed individually or in high-availability (HA) pairs for optimal service resiliency.

VitalQIP DNS/DHCP IP Address Management Software

Alcatel-Lucent VitalQIP DNS/DHCP IP Address Management Software is a market leading solution for automating IP address management services across networks. It streamlines management and cuts administrative costs for enterprises, government agencies, and service providers worldwide. The VitalQIP Appliance addresses the shift in the IP Address Management (IPAM) market towards appliances for increased reliability, manageability, scalability and security, and provides superior price vs performance ratio when compared to other solutions.

DNS Contingency Switcher

The Accumuli Security DNS Contingency Switcher enables operators to quickly update DNS entries with the correct host names and IP addresses when services or applications need to be switched to backup or contingent servers. This is useful in a disaster recovery situation but also when planned maintenance is required (such as applying Windows Server security patches) or business continuity processes need to be tested.

porttracker

porttracker quickly collates and displays information to provide a comprehensive insight into what is connected to your network, enabling network managers to make informed business decisions to reduce operational overheads and port wastage whilst enhancing network security.