Utility-Grade Core Network Services
WHITEPAPER Utility-Grade Core Network Services The infoblox appliance-based platform integrates distributes, and manages DNS, DHCP, IPAM, TFTP, NTP and more to drive networks and applications Executive Summary Networks and applications have become highly dependent on a collection of essential core network services that are not always “visible” or on the forefront of IT project lists. For example, virtually all applications, including web, e-mail, ERP, CRM, and Microsoft’s Active Directory require the Domain Name System (DNS) for their basic operation. Most IP-based devices, including laptops and desktops, require Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) to obtain an IP address. Newer devices such as IP phones, RFID readers, and cameras that are network-connected require file transfer services (via TFTP or HTTP) to receive configuration information and firmware updates. If core network services are compromised, networks and applications fail. These failures often manifest themselves as “network” or “application” issues but are often caused by failure of the underlying core network services themselves. A majority of enterprises still use an “ad-hoc” collection of disparate systems to deploy core network services and are, therefore, experiencing growing problems with availability, security, audit-ability, and real-time data integration that threaten current and future applications. For more than a decade, the focus of networking professionals has been on physical network architectures with high levels of redundancy and fault-tolerance. From the endpoint inward, enterprise networks are designed to provide high availability with device redundancy and multiple paths among users and data. One of the key components of these architectures has been the network appliance, purpose-built devices that are designed to perform a specific function such as routing, switching, or gateway applications.
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