Provisioning

Benefits

  • You can roll out changes to configurations automatically and quickly
  • You can win time and thus save valuable resources
  • You can save up to 90% of time compared to manual processes (statement by customer)
  • You can decide the level of automation on your network

General

Provisioning is an essential process in today’s global network. It refers to the easy installation and configuration of devices such as switches, routers, etc. and their ports to ensure their smooth and trouble-free operation.

Efficient provisioning is important since, apart from saving time and resources, it also increases the safety and security, and it ensures a seamless integration into the IT infrastructure. Below are just some of provisioning’s important aspects:

  • Configuration
    Provisioning is about providing the correct settings, configurations, and software on the devices to ensure that these devices are in compliance with the demands and regulations of the company.
  • Safety and Security
    Safety and security are crucial aspects. It is vital that the devices are provided with up-to-date security patches and guidelines to reduce potential threats to a minimum. The implementation of security guidelines, password protection, and encryption can play a big part in the protection of confidential data and the control and management of access to business-critical information.
  • User profiles and access rights
    Provisioning allows the allocation of user profiles and access rights tailored to the roles and responsibilities of each individual member of staff. This gives users access to the necessary resources and applications while preventing access to unauthorized data.
  • Automation
    Through the automation of provisioning processes, new devices are quickly and efficiently made available, giving IT teams more time to focus on strategic tasks, rather than having to perform manual and repetitive ones.
  • Administration and monitoring
    A successful provisioning process also incorporates the ongoing administration and monitoring of the devices. This identifies potential problems in advance and to correct them before they develop into major challenges.
  • Network services
    Operating networks requires dynamic adjustments of the components involved and expansion of the infrastructure, often outside of regular working hours. The introduction of Voice over IP (VoIP) and the necessity for Quality of Service (QoS) across the network, are just a couple of examples.

All in all, provisioning is an indispensable part of a well-functioning IT ecosystem. The efficient provision and administration of devices allows businesses to increase their productivity, improve safety and security, and enhance customer satisfaction. Careful planning, automation, and regular updating are crucial when you want to ensure that devices are brought onto the system and operated quickly and smoothly.

Products

What are Products in ERAMON? Products bundle individual provisioning processes into one. A product can consist of several steps. These can be interdependent.

Example:

Step 1: CPE Provisioning
Initial configuration via serial or ethernet interface

  • Firmware
  • Hardware

Step 2: Configuration of a backup port on the PE

  • Port provisioning

Two-Person Rule (TPR)

There are four different levels available when setting the TPR. If a level >1 has to be set, the user who has to authorize the job will receive a request by e-mail. The authorization will then be carried out through ERAMON’s GUI. The following levels are available:

01.

Level 1

TPR not applied
02.

Level 2

Authorization by a different user
03.

Level 3

Same as for level 2, but the execution date must be within a certain time frame
04.

Level 4

Same as for level 3, but only for a certain device group

Config/Disaster Recovery

The device is provisioned with the most recently backed up config. For this purpose, ERAMON logs onto the device via a specified login method and then provisions the selected config. The recovery can be scheduled if an IP connection to the device is available.
If the device is no longer available via IP but only via a terminal/console server, recovery is possible through the disaster recovery.

Firmware Manager

When assigning a firmware to a device type, provisioning script templates can be saved for the installation and deletion of the firmware. Certain parameters have to be recorded for each firmware, such as RAM and Flash requirements. When trying to roll out firmware a pre-check is carried out that checks the firmware’s parameters. Only once this has been successful will the copying of the firmware be started with the help of a provisioning template.

IP-SLA Manager

The IP-SLA Manager facilitates a comfortable management of IP-SLA measurements. The measurements are set up in the provisioning module; an analysis then takes place when carrying out the performance measurements.

Parameters when setting up a measurement:

  • Category
  • Device A/B
  • Time Frame from/Time Frame until (depending on the category)
  • ToS
  • Thresholds for the set up measurement