Automated Switch Configuration Management

What is a switch?

A switch is an important piece of networking hardware that uses packet switching to connect the devices on a network. It does this by receiving and redirecting incoming data packets on a local area network (LAN) so they reach their destination quickly. Switches allow for communication between devices without collisions by creating an electronic tunnel between the destination and the source for a fraction of a second, so no other traffic can enter.

What is switch configuration?

Switch configuration is the process of setting up and updating network switches to function effectively within a network. Switches, like other elements of the network, can be reconfigured to ensure optimal performance throughout their life cycles. These switch configuration changes can either be reactive responses to issues within the network or proactive efforts to improve network performance. Without being configured in line with an organization’s network, switches may not be able to perform their functions.

How does switch configuration work?

Switch configuration is one of the key elements involved in a network’s flow, control, and operation. Whether dealing with a reconfiguration of an existing switch or installing a completely new switch, network switch management is an essential element of any IT job.

While the specific best practices for switch configuration can vary from one type of switch to another, these basic steps can serve as a good starting point for any switch manager:

1. Clear the switch: Before you can begin reconfiguring a switch, you need to first wipe it of any existing configurations. You can do this by resetting it to its default settings.
2. Verify the default configuration: Confirm you returned the switch to its original configuration. Once you’ve done this, it’s a good idea to make a copy of the file in case any unintentional changes are made in the future.
3. Begin the setup: Give the switch a name, even something as simple as “S1” or “S2,” and relaunch the startup configuration and running configuration to prepare for the new configuration.
4. Create and set a password: Make a password for the switch you’re configuring.
5. Set the switch addresses: It’s best to avoid using the default VLAN 1 address if you can, which is why you should create a new switch address instead. You’ll then be able to use your new VLAN to manage the switch remotely.
6. Assign ports: Next, you need to assign user switch ports to your new VLAN. Otherwise, it’ll appear offline.
7. Assign a gateway: Every switch in a network needs to be paired with a router, which is also known as a default gateway. Just identify and match a router to pair it with the new switch configuration.
8. Assign IP addresses: Every device connected to a switch needs to be assigned an IP address. You can either do this manually or through a DHCP server.
9. Save the configuration: The final step of switch management is storing and saving the new switch configuration. Once this is done, you can begin using the configuration.

These steps should be performed for each switch in your network each time a new switch is added, or new configuration is needed. Using network switch management software can help simplify the process. These tools can help you ensure only authorized configuration changes occur, and lets you make bulk configuration changes to save both time and effort.

Why is switch configuration important?

Effective switch management and configuration can reduce the likelihood and impact of outages and downtime, which can help boost productivity and network performance while also helping you ensure regulatory compliance.

Network switch management is an essential element of the switch configuration process. Switch management involves monitoring all the switches on a network and the configuration changes they undergo. Through switch configuration management, you can help ensure only authorized configuration changes occur for security purposes and that those changes are effective. Unauthorized switch configuration changes—or even failed configuration changes—can pose a security risk for networks. Unauthorized changes can also be a sign of malicious activity, while failed changes can accidentally create network vulnerabilities.

By using switch management software to quickly detect these types of problematic switch configuration changes, you can quickly get to the bottom of problems before they seriously threaten the security of the network. Network switch management software and switch configuration tools can also help streamline the switch configuration process to reduce the chance of error and downtime caused by failed configurations.

How does a switch configuration tool work?

A switch configuration tool can help you perform switch configuration changes while also monitoring your switches to help reduce security and performance risks.

A switch configuration tool is designed to simplify the configuration process by letting you make bulk configuration changes instead of needing to manage one-off config changes. Not only are one-off changes labor-intensive and time-consuming, but one small error in a single configuration change can have a serious negative impact on the network.

With a switch configuration tool, it’s possible to schedule and perform configuration changes across multiple devices simultaneously. Switch configuration software lets you apply configuration files to multiple devices at the same time, making it easier to make new switch configurations and rollback to previous configurations if something goes wrong.

By letting you schedule automated network device configuration backups, switch management software can help you more quickly return devices to the last good configuration if something goes wrong and minimize the likelihood of a serious network interruption and productivity loss caused by faulty switch configuration. Additionally, quality switch configuration tools maintain a complete configuration history for each switch, so you can more easily locate exactly where a problem occurred by comparing the current configuration to old ones.

Switch configuration tools also constantly monitor network devices and their configurations. This can help organizations reduce security vulnerabilities, as the tool can send an alert whenever it detects a problem. These email alerts are designed to help you find the root cause of configuration issues fast, so you can start troubleshooting quicker.

How does switch configuration work in Kiwi CatTools?

SolarWinds Kiwi CatTools is a network automation and configuration solution built to help simplify the switch configuration process.

Kiwi CatTools can help you make new changes or return to old configurations on multiple devices at the same time. Kiwi CatTools also includes a built-in TFTP server to help you more easily apply configuration files to various devices and allows for easier rollbacks to previous configurations.

Kiwi CatTools maintains a complete configuration history through its automated backups, so you can roll back to the last good configuration. This means you won’t be left high and dry when an issue arises with a switch configuration. Instead of needing to rewrite a ton of inline code in a hurry when something goes wrong, you can revert to the latest good configuration. With Kiwi CatTools, you can also schedule automated backups at custom time intervals for your switches, routers, firewalls, and more.

In addition to helping you make configuration changes and revert to old ones if an issue arises, Kiwi CatTools provides constant monitoring of configurations on switches and other network devices. The tool can also send real-time email alerts whenever unauthorized configuration changes occur to help you get to the bottom of potential security threats faster.

Kiwi CatTools also supports multi-vendor devices with out-of-the-box support for both IPv4 and IPv6 devices from various vendors, including HP, Cisco, 3Com, Huawei, and more.