As technology evolves, so do our networks. Today's sprawling network infrastructures are intricate ecosystems, demanding more from IT teams than ever before.  Configuration management, compliance enforcement, and firmware & software updates are just a few of the growing requirements that strain manual processes.

While manual network management might have sufficed in simpler times, it hinders scalability in complex environments. It can also introduce security vulnerabilities and leave your network prone to human error.

To navigate this new reality, organizations need a better approach—they need to leverage a network configuration management tool.

Now, let's explore how a network configuration management tool can help revolutionize your modern network, unlocking a new era of scalability and security.

Key Topics:

• Manual Configuration Challenges: Leveraging Configuration Management Tools
  • Scalability Hurdles
  • Backup Maintenance
  • Configuration Tracking
  • Firmware Vulnerability Management
  • Adherence to Compliance Standards
  • Streamlining Mundane Tasks
  • Report Maintenance
• Selecting the Right Configuration Management Tool for your Network
  
  • Vendor Versatility
  • Backups
  • Change Management
  • Compliance Management
  • Vulnerability Management
  • Automation
  • Reporting
  • Device Onboarding
• Network Configuration Manager: Your All-In-One Configuration Management Tool
• Summary

Related articles:

• Maximizing Network Security: A Deep Dive into OpManager's Firewall Analyzer Add-on
• Boost Network Security and Efficiency with Intelligent Notifications and Automated Fault Handling. Unified IT Operations Management Tool
• Ensuring Compliance and Business Continuity in a Hybrid Work Environment
• Dealing with Security Audit Challenges: Discovering vulnerabilities, unauthorized access, optimize network security & reporting

Manual Configuration Management Challenges: Why a Configuration Management Tool is a Game-Changer

This article covers the deployment of the Cisco WLC 9800-CL cloud-based controller on the VMware ESXi platform. We explain the CPU, RAM and storage requirements, provide URLs to easily download and install the WLC controller using the OVA template, select the appropriate WLC 9800 deployment size (small, medium, large) and help you understand and configure the different WLC VM network interfaces.

Key Topics:

• Introduction to the Cisco 9800 WLC Virtual Controller
• Cisco 9800 WLC Virtual Controller VMware ESXi Requirements
• Cisco 9800 WLC Virtual Controller Deployment Models
• How to Download the Cisco 9800-CL Software
• Installing the Cisco 9800 WLC Virtual Controller in VMware ESXi
• Critical VMware Network Information on the Cisco 9800-CL – vNICs, vSwitch etc.
• Configure a VMware Port Group to Allow Trunking or Single VLAN
• Summary

Introduction to the Cisco 9800 WLC Virtual Controller

Cisco released their next-generation 9800 series Wireless Controllers back in 2018, also offering a cloud-based version that supports VMware ESXi, Microsoft Hyper-V, Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Ubuntu/Red Hat Enterprise Linux using KVM, and Cisco NFVIS environments.

The virtualized version of the WLC controller offers great flexibility for organizations while at the same time provides considerable savings thanks to its zero-price tag. Customers are able to freely download and deploy the appliance, with the only restriction being the AP licenses that need to be purchased as an ongoing subscription.

Virtualization offers additional benefits which include:

• Hardware independence. Not hardware involved. Lead times for the hardware-based controllers can sometimes exceed 6-9 months depending on the market demand and other circumstances.
• Decreased cost. The VM option means organizations are saving 6-figure amounts for every 9800-40 or greater model they require. If you’re considering introducing High-Availability (HA), then the Cloud-based controller becomes a much cheaper architecture. Additional savings are added since Smartnet contracts for the hardware are not required.
• Better utilization of virtualization infrastructure. Utilizing the existing virtualization platform increases its ROI.
• Greater Deployment Flexibility. VMs allow you to easily move them from one physical server to another, even between different datacenters or physical locations.
• Increased Redundancy & Backups. Backing up a VM is an easy and simple process. You can even use specialized free VM Backup tools for this process.

Cisco 9800 WLC Virtual Controller VMware ESXi Requirements

Deploying the WLC 9800-CL in an ESXi environment is, as you’ll discover, a simple process. Cisco provides a single OVA file package, roughly around 1.25GB in size:

In the rapidly evolving landscape of cyber threats, network security has never been more crucial. With the frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks escalating, organizations are under constant pressure to safeguard their networks. According to Sophos' The State of Ransomware 2023 report, 66% of organizations were hit by ransomware in 2023, and this trend is only going to keep growing with time. Additionally, Top10VPN estimates that VPN-related vulnerabilities increased by 47% in 2023. These statistics highlight the urgent need for robust network security solutions.

Traditional Network Monitoring: A Growing Inadequacy

Historically, network monitoring solutions have focused on tracking performance metrics, bandwidth usage, and basic security alerts. While these tools have been effective to an extent, the current cyberthreat landscape demands more advanced capabilities. Traditional monitoring is often reactive, identifying issues after they occur, which is no longer sufficient. As cyberthreats become more complex, there's a clear need for proactive, comprehensive security measures.

Introducing ManageEngine Firewall Analyzer

To address these growing challenges, a network security management tool like ManageEngine Firewall Analyzer is indispensable. Firewall Analyzer is a powerful tool designed to enhance firewall management and bolster network security. It provides detailed insights into firewall activity, monitors traffic, detects anomalies, and ensures compliance with security policies. By integrating seamlessly with ManageEngine OpManager, Firewall Analyzer serves as a comprehensive security management solution.

How Firewall Analyzer Bolsters OpManager

Firewall Analyzer is available as both a standalone product and an add-on for OpManager. When combined, these tools offer a powerful synergy that significantly enhances network security. Here is how:

• Comprehensive Traffic Analysis: Firewall Analyzer provides detailed visibility into your network traffic. It analyzes inbound and outbound traffic to detect unusual patterns, potential threats, and bandwidth usage. This detailed analysis is crucial for preventing security breaches and optimizing network performance.

Discover the ins and outs of using Palo Alto Networks’ Software NGFW (Flex) credits to seamlessly renew your cloud-based or virtualized software NGFW devices! Dive into this exciting guide where we unravel the mysteries of software NGFW credits, show you how they're allocated to your deployment profile, and walk you through the renewal and verification process.

Learn to calculate your required NGFW credits with the online Credit Estimator and much more. Get ready to master your NGFW credits and keep your network security top-notch!

Key Topics:

• Grasping the Basics of Software NGFW (Flex) Credits
• Estimating Your NGFW Credit Needs with the Credit Estimator
• Renewing Your Deployment Profile with NGFW Credits
• Summary

Grasping the Basics of Software NGFW (Flex) Credits

Palo Alto Networks’ Cloud-based (Azure, AWS, GCP) and virtualized (ESXi, Hyper-V, KVM) deployments, aka software NGFW devices, are licensed using Software NGFW credits (Flex Credits). When deploying a software NGFW device, you are required to purchase the correct amount of NGFW credits to allow the deployment, licensing and operation of the device. The amount of NGFW credits required, depend on the specifications of your NGFW device which include:

• Number and type (VM-Series or CN-Series) of firewalls deployed.
• Number of vCPUs per firewall.
• Subscriptions e.g Threat Prevention, URL Filtering, Wildfire etc.
• Management Options e.g Panorama Management, Panorama Log Collector etc.
• Support Options e.g Premium or Platinum support.

NGFW credits are subscription-based, meaning they expire 12 or 36 months after purchase (depending on your contract), regardless of how many credits you use.  For example, if you purchase 100 NGFW credits 12-month subscription and use 80 NGFW credits for your deployment, the remaining 20 NGFW credits will be available for consumption, but expire at the end of the contract.

It's crucial to purchase the right amount of NGFW credits to minimize any that go unused.

Estimating Your NGFW Credit Needs with the Credit Estimator