DDI stands for DNS, DHCP, and IP Address Management (IPAM).
DNS (Domain Name System) is responsible for translating human-friendly domain names into IP addresses so devices and services can be located on a network.
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) automatically assigns IP addresses and network configurations to devices when they join the network, ensuring smooth connectivity without manual setup.
IPAM (IP Address Management) provides centralised tracking, organisation, and control of all IP addresses in a network, helping prevent conflicts and ensuring efficient use of the address space.
DDI integration (for services like Infoblox, SolarWinds IPAM, and BlueCat) manages how devices are identified, addressed, and connected to a network. It allows Innomesh to automate the process of creating DNS entries, assigning IP addresses, and setting up templates to manage all networks from a single platform. This ensures that IP address assignments, DNS records, and address allocations are consistent and automated across your network.
The following outlines the functionality of DDI integration, using Infoblox as an example.
Subnet Groups
“Subnet groups” are a collection of subnets to query for auto-assignment of IP addresses. These subnets are connected to subnets in the integrated IPAM system. Once added in this menu, they will be available when configuring devices and assigning them DNS entries.
Onboarding a device with IP reservation
When onboarding a device and utilising DDI, there will be an option to select “Auto IP”. Referencing the MAC address, DDI will interact with the IPAM system to assign the device an IP from the selected subnet group and automatically create a DNS entry using the hostname entered for the device.
Onboarding a device with Multiple Reservations
Devices may have multiple NICs (Network Interface Cards) with separate MAC addresses. This is accounted for by pressing the IP reservations button when editing a device. In this menu, you can add each network reservation, and DDI will automatically create the reservation and DNS entry for each MAC address defined.
Multicast Reservation
Multicast reservations for the primary reservation can be made using the multicast reservations section in the IP reservations menu. A reservation strategy for the multicast addresses can be selected from the drop-down above the list. The list will populate with existing multicast reservations, and future reservations will be assigned based on the reservation strategy.
Extensible attributes
Infoblox allows users to assign more properties to an IP reservation in the form of extensible attributes. Extensible attributes can be added to a reservation by clicking the inline button next to the reservation and then adding them in the menu.
Templates
DDI is also available to be used at a room template level. Hostnames can be defined in JSONata notation in the template and will then be filled with room-specific data on room creation, further automating DNS entries by creating them for the user.
Administration
The DDI Administration page enables the user to configure global IPAM options, including the enforcement of hostnames against a regex pattern and automatic hostname manipulation when moving a room to a “Staging” or production zone.