How do you enforce network device policies?

1 Policy-based management

One way to enforce network device policies is to use policy-based management (PBM), which is a system that automates the configuration and monitoring of network devices based on predefined policies. PBM can simplify the administration of complex and dynamic networks, as well as reduce human errors and inconsistencies. PBM typically involves three components: policy repository, policy engine, and policy agents. The policy repository stores the policies and their associated rules, conditions, and actions. The policy engine evaluates the policies and generates the appropriate commands or configurations for the network devices. The policy agents are software modules that run on the network devices and communicate with the policy engine to apply the policies.

2 Configuration management

Another way to enforce network device policies is to use configuration management (CM), which is a process that tracks and controls the changes made to the network devices' settings and software. CM can help to maintain the consistency and integrity of the network, as well as to facilitate troubleshooting and recovery. CM typically involves four steps: configuration identification, configuration control, configuration status accounting, and configuration audit. Configuration identification defines the baseline and version of the network devices' configuration and software. Configuration control regulates the changes made to the configuration and software, and records the reasons and approvals for the changes. Configuration status accounting records and reports the current and historical state of the configuration and software. Configuration audit verifies and validates that the configuration and software comply with the policies and requirements.

3 Compliance management

A third way to enforce network device policies is to use compliance management (CM), which is a process that checks and verifies that the network devices adhere to the policies and standards. CM can help to ensure the security and quality of the network, as well as to avoid penalties and violations. CM typically involves two activities: compliance assessment and compliance remediation. Compliance assessment measures and evaluates the network devices' compliance level and identifies any gaps or deviations from the policies and standards. Compliance remediation corrects and resolves any non-compliant issues and implements preventive measures to avoid recurrence.

4 Network automation

A fourth way to enforce network device policies is to use network automation (NA), which is a system that performs network tasks and functions automatically, without human intervention. NA can improve the efficiency and accuracy of the network operations, as well as to reduce costs and risks. NA typically involves three elements: network orchestration, network provisioning, and network programming. Network orchestration coordinates and integrates the network devices and services to achieve a desired outcome or goal. Network provisioning configures and deploys the network devices and services according to the policies and specifications. Network programming uses scripting languages and APIs to control and manipulate the network devices and services.

5 Network monitoring

A fifth way to enforce network device policies is to use network monitoring (NM), which is a system that collects and analyzes the network data and events, and provides feedback and alerts. NM can enhance the visibility and awareness of the network status and performance, as well as to detect and respond to any problems or anomalies. NM typically involves four functions: network discovery, network mapping, network analysis, and network reporting. Network discovery identifies and recognizes the network devices and their characteristics. Network mapping displays and illustrates the network topology and devices. Network analysis measures and evaluates the network traffic and behavior. Network reporting summarizes and presents the network data and events.

6 Network testing

A sixth way to enforce network device policies is to use network testing (NT), which is a system that simulates and evaluates the network scenarios and conditions, and verifies the network functionality and quality. NT can validate and optimize the network design and configuration, as well as to identify and resolve any errors or issues. NT typically involves three types: network simulation, network emulation, and network verification. Network simulation creates and models the network environment and behavior using mathematical formulas and algorithms. Network emulation reproduces and mimics the network environment and behavior using real or virtual network devices and components. Network verification checks and confirms that the network devices and services work as expected and meet the policies and requirements.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?