IP address management (IPAM) is software that can plan, track, and manage the IP addresses used in a computer network.
Although IPAM is a way of managing network addressing, it does not typically provide Domain Name System (DNS) and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). Such systems are known as DDI, or DNS, DHCP, IPAM systems. IPAM is often confused with DDI (DNS/DHCP/IPAM), of which it's a single component.
Some IPAM applications are provided as part of a DDI system, examples are offerings from Cisco Systems, SolarWinds and Microsoft. Others integrate with other standalone DNS and DHCP services.
Additional functionality, such as controlling reservations in DHCP and other data aggregation and reporting capabilities, is also common. Data tracked by an IPAM system may include information such as IP addresses in use, the devices an IP is assigned to at what time, as well as to which user an IP was assigned. This information can also support troubleshooting and abuse investigations.
IPAM tools are increasingly important as new IPv6 networks are deployed with larger address pools, different subnetting techniques and more complex 128-bit hexadecimal numbers, which are not as easily human-readable as IPv4 addresses. IPv6 networking, mobile computing, and multihoming require more dynamic address management.
References
IP Address Manager (IPAM) Guided Tour - Learn more: http://bit.ly/IPAMv4_2 Check out the many features SolarWinds IP Address Manager (IPAM) has to offer. Experience the power of automated and consolidated DHCP/DNS and IP address...
