Frequently Asked Questions About Orion Network Configuration Manager
Is Orion NCM the next version of Cirrus?
Yes. Orion Network Configuration Manager (NCM) represents the next generation of Cirrus Configuration Manager. The move from Cirrus v4 to Orion NCM v5 reflects a number of enhancements in the product, including much tighter integration with Orion Network Performance Monitor (NPM), as well as the introduction of a new website for configuration management.
How is Orion NCM licensed?
Orion Network Configuration Manager can manage almost any network device, including routers, switches, firewalls, access points, and other SNMP-enabled devices. Orion NCM is licensed by the number of managed objects or nodes, which is defined as an entire device – i.e., a router, a switch, a server, an access point, or a modem.
The following list provides the different types of Orion NCM licenses available:
- DL50 for up to 50 devices
- DL100 for up to 100 devices
- DL200 for up to 200 devices
- DL500 for up to 500 devices
- DL1000 for up to 1000 devices
- DL3000 for up to 3000 devices
- DLX for an unlimited number of devices
Options for larger installations are available. Contact the SolarWinds sales team for more information.
What types of devices can be managed by Orion NCM?
Orion NCM supports many types of network devices including routers, switches, firewalls, and access points from multiple hardware vendors. Device command templates for Cisco Systems®, Nortel Networks®, Motorola®, Extreme Networks®, Dell®, HP®, Adtran®, Aruba Networks®, ARRIS®, Marconi®, Foundry Networks®, Fortinet®, Enterasys®, Radware®, Juniper Networks®, and many others are included out-of-the-box. Additional devices are easily supported by creating or modifying device command templates.
How do I integrate Orion NCM with Orion NPM?
Orion NCM integrates seamlessly out-of-the-box with Orion Network Performance Monitor (NPM) to deliver a comprehensive solution for managing configuration, fault, and performance across complex, multi-vendor networks. Through a single web console, now you can access both real-time availability statistics and configuration change history for all of your network devices, providing the complete network management solution that you’ve been searching for. Simply install and setup both applications and run the Orion NCM integration module on the Orion NPM server. This enables Orion NPM to view Orion NCM data.
How is the data collected by Orion NCM stored?
Orion NCM stores all configuration, inventory, and policy data within a Microsoft® SQL database.
Can multiple devices be backed up at one time?
Yes. Orion NCM enables you to select multiple devices and automatically download the configuration files simultaneously. Configuration backups can also be scheduled to run on a regular basis.
Can configuration changes be rolled out to multiple devices at one time?
Yes. With a few clicks, Orion NCM enables you to select a group of devices and then upload commands to the selected nodes simultaneously. Configuration changes can also be scheduled to run at a later date or time.
Can Orion NCM push out IOS images?
Yes. Orion NCM enables you to push out new IOS images to devices. This action can be performed in real-time or scheduled for a later date and/or time.
Can device configurations be imported into Orion NCM?
Yes. Text-based configurations can easily be imported into Orion NCM. Simply highlight the desired device within Orion NCM, select the configuration file within Windows® Explorer, and drag the selected file to the Orion NCM node list. The new file will be labeled as an imported file.