Cloud Computing and IP Addresses: Effective Management Strategies

IP Address Management or IPAM ensures optimal network implementation that ensures security across connected devices, efficiency and ease of monitoring. Highly recommended for enterprises of any size, IPAM gives network administrators a setup that helps them work with network-connected devices with ease.

While IPAM could be a bit costly for many businesses because of the hardware requirements, Cloud-Based IPAM services are relatively cost effective. Very little hardware setup is required for Cloud-Based IPAM and nearly everything is done through a web-based interface or an application.

Cloud-Based IPAM Advantages and Challenges

Cloud-Based IPAM offers incredible advantages especially those who are looking for ease of implementation. Most, if not all, cloud based IPAM providers already have a wide variety of management features in place. Azure Virtual Network Manager and Amazon Web Services VPC IP Address Management offers simplified implementation of IPAM as their cloud-based tools do all the work. Scalability is also a lot simpler with the use of Cloud-Based IPAM because increasing the number of gadgets connected to the network doesn’t require additional hardware.

On the other hand, Cloud-Based IPAM will require consistent internet access to ensure its smooth operation. Naturally, local networks that do not need internet connection to function may find this solution impractical. Cloud-based services could be vulnerable to online attacks and IPAM services are extra vulnerable because hackers are aware of the potential of these services in managing devices.

Smart Implementation of IPAM in the Cloud

Cloud-Based IPAM providers make it really easy for network administrators but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t need any additional input to make the network as secure and efficient as possible.

Documentation of allocated IP addresses is one of the best ways to ensure your network implementation remains effective and easy to troubleshoot. A network administrator could rely on the cloud-based tools to lookup an IP address but a well documented network could easily provide that data and more without the need of the internet.

Network segmentation is also a smart practice that should be implemented through IPAM. This is especially true for cloud-based IPAM where security breaches are always a possibility. Through a segmented network, isolation of affected network connected devices can be implemented quickly. This is also highly recommended for network troubleshooting since segmentation could also help in limiting the spread of outage across the network.

The use of private IP addresses in local network communication is still highly recommended even in cloud-based IPAM. By limiting access, local network communication will stay safe and efficient - it’s also a great way to prevent external attacks since any suspicion connected from the outside should be flagged.

Flexible, Scalable and Secured

One of the biggest advantages of Cloud-Based IPAM is its ability to expand to whatever the business needs. As it addresses the need to purchase hardware through cloud based solutions, they offer flexibility that ultimately ensures businesses their network set-up is scalable. Since it is constantly exposed to threats due to its internet connectivity, security is always a priority to Cloud-Based IPAM providers as they want to ensure their customers manage their networks without threats.