SD-WAN Feature: Version Management

How to Manage all your Configurations with a Couple of Clicks
Thousands of sites have been successfully rolled out since the release of our SD-WAN tool, the Profindis Deployment Portal. In this blog post we explain the functioning of our feature “Version Management” and how it can be useful to you. If you are not familiar with the Profindis Deployment Portal, learn more on this page.

Configuration Changes on Network Devices

When working in a midsize or large network environment with hundreds or thousands of sites, things can easily get out of hand. Protocolling during the change process is a tedious task. When it comes to configuration changes of network devices it is very difficult to maintain a systematic overview. Many devices require different versions of configurations. This can be due to differences in hardware platforms, ISP (Internet Service Provider), geographical conditions and the availability of certain WAN technologies. Additionally, some devices need to be updated to a newer version, others may need a slightly different version or maintain their old version. This can be further complicated when several changes are required at once.

How can Version Management help you with your Configuration Changes?

Version Management allows you to easily view and access all available configurations as well as track which configuration is attached to which device.
For example, in order to update a router or a switch to a newer configuration version, we start with a master (or basic) configuration, which consists of the main commands and codes that all devices have in common. Next, instead of changing the master configuration, we create a delta configuration. This delta configuration only contains commands that amount to the basic configuration without altering it. The delta configuration varies according to the individual requirements of each device or device group. The result is a new configuration which now, through a couple of clicks, can be addressed to the desired network devices. The Profindis Deployment Portal will then automatically roll out the configuration changes.

Of course you can add as many delta or basic configurations as you want. The Version Management will always keep track and give you a clear picture of which configuration is on which device and vice versa.

Version Management maintains a Traceable Overview

Sometimes things simply do not work out the first time and new configurations might lead to complications. In a traditional setting, we would have to go through all the commands and codes in a configuration to find the error. Version Management allows for more efficiency, as it keeps a traceable overview of all configurations, allowing to easily return to the previous version by disabling the last delta configuration. The traceable system also allows for easier communication between all parties involved in a project.

Did we arouse your interest?

For more information or to see our SD-WAN solution in action, contact us here!