About Me
Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr)
1 **Foundation**
1-1 **Networking Fundamentals**
1-1 1 OSI and TCPIP Models
1-1 2 Network Devices and Their Functions
1-1 3 IP Addressing and Subnetting
1-1 4 Routing and Switching Basics
1-1 5 Network Security Fundamentals
1-2 **Enterprise Architecture**
1-2 1 Enterprise Network Design Principles
1-2 2 Network Segmentation and Zoning
1-2 3 Network Services and Protocols
1-2 4 Network Management and Monitoring
1-2 5 Network Automation and Programmability
2 **Design**
2-1 **Network Design Methodologies**
2-1 1 Design Life Cycle
2-1 2 Requirements Gathering and Analysis
2-1 3 Design Documentation and Validation
2-1 4 Design Implementation and Testing
2-1 5 Design Maintenance and Optimization
2-2 **Enterprise Network Design**
2-2 1 Campus Network Design
2-2 2 Data Center Network Design
2-2 3 WAN Design
2-2 4 Wireless Network Design
2-2 5 Security Architecture Design
3 **Implementation**
3-1 **Network Implementation Planning**
3-1 1 Implementation Strategies
3-1 2 Resource Allocation and Scheduling
3-1 3 Risk Management and Mitigation
3-1 4 Change Management
3-1 5 Post-Implementation Review
3-2 **Network Services Implementation**
3-2 1 IP Address Management (IPAM)
3-2 2 DNS and DHCP Implementation
3-2 3 Network Access Control (NAC)
3-2 4 VPN and Remote Access Implementation
3-2 5 Network Security Services Implementation
4 **Operation**
4-1 **Network Operations Management**
4-1 1 Network Monitoring and Performance Management
4-1 2 Fault Management and Troubleshooting
4-1 3 Capacity Planning and Management
4-1 4 Network Change and Configuration Management
4-1 5 Network Compliance and Auditing
4-2 **Network Security Operations**
4-2 1 Incident Response and Management
4-2 2 Threat Detection and Mitigation
4-2 3 Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
4-2 4 Vulnerability Management
4-2 5 Security Policy Enforcement and Monitoring
5 **Optimization**
5-1 **Network Optimization Techniques**
5-1 1 Traffic Engineering and Load Balancing
5-1 2 Quality of Service (QoS) Implementation
5-1 3 Network Performance Tuning
5-1 4 Energy Efficiency and Green Networking
5-1 5 Network Optimization Tools and Technologies
5-2 **Network Automation and Orchestration**
5-2 1 Network Programmability and Automation
5-2 2 Software-Defined Networking (SDN)
5-2 3 Network Function Virtualization (NFV)
5-2 4 Automation Tools and Frameworks
5-2 5 Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CICD) for Networks
6 **Leadership**
6-1 **Leadership and Management Skills**
6-1 1 Strategic Planning and Vision
6-1 2 Team Leadership and Development
6-1 3 Communication and Stakeholder Management
6-1 4 Financial Management and Budgeting
6-1 5 Project Management and Execution
6-2 **Professional Ethics and Standards**
6-2 1 Ethical Decision-Making
6-2 2 Industry Standards and Compliance
6-2 3 Intellectual Property and Licensing
6-2 4 Professional Development and Continuous Learning
6-2 5 Global and Cultural Awareness
4.1.4 Network Change and Configuration Management Explained

4.1.4 Network Change and Configuration Management Explained

Key Concepts

Network Change and Configuration Management (NCCM) involves the processes and tools used to manage changes to network devices and configurations. Key concepts include:

Change Management

Change Management involves the process of planning, approving, and implementing changes to network devices. This includes creating change requests, assessing the impact of changes, and ensuring that changes are tested and documented. Effective change management minimizes disruptions and ensures that changes are made safely and efficiently.

An analogy for Change Management is a construction project. Just as a construction project requires planning, permits, and inspections, network changes require careful planning, approval, and testing to ensure they are implemented correctly.

Configuration Management

Configuration Management involves maintaining and documenting the configurations of network devices. This includes tracking changes to configurations, ensuring consistency across devices, and maintaining a baseline configuration. Configuration management ensures that network devices are configured correctly and consistently.

Think of Configuration Management as maintaining a blueprint for a building. Just as a blueprint ensures that all parts of a building are constructed according to the same plan, configuration management ensures that all network devices are configured according to the same standards.

Version Control

Version Control involves tracking and managing changes to configuration files and scripts. This includes maintaining different versions of files, rolling back changes if necessary, and ensuring that all team members are working with the correct version. Version control ensures that changes are traceable and that the network can be restored to a previous state if needed.

An analogy for Version Control is a revision history in a document. Just as a revision history allows you to see changes made to a document over time, version control allows you to see changes made to network configurations over time.

Automation

Automation involves using scripts and tools to automate routine tasks and changes in network management. This includes automating configuration backups, applying changes, and monitoring network devices. Automation reduces the risk of human error and speeds up the process of making changes.

Think of Automation as a robot in a factory. Just as a robot can perform repetitive tasks with precision, automation can perform routine network tasks with accuracy and efficiency.

Audit and Compliance

Audit and Compliance involve reviewing network configurations and changes to ensure they meet organizational policies and regulatory requirements. This includes conducting regular audits, documenting findings, and making necessary adjustments. Audit and compliance ensure that the network is secure and operates within legal and organizational guidelines.

An analogy for Audit and Compliance is a financial audit. Just as a financial audit ensures that financial records are accurate and comply with regulations, network audits ensure that network configurations are secure and comply with policies.

Understanding and effectively implementing Network Change and Configuration Management is crucial for maintaining a stable, secure, and efficient network. By mastering these concepts, network architects can ensure that changes are made safely and that the network operates within established guidelines.

© 2024 Ahmed Baheeg Khorshid. All rights reserved.