Juniper Networks is releasing a new version of its intent-based Apstra networking software that includes broader configuration capabilities, additional multi-vendor hardware and software support and improved environment analysis.
Apstra maintains a real-time repository of configuration, telemetry and verification information to ensure the network is doing what the enterprise wants it to do. Companies can use Apstra’s automation capabilities to provide consistent network and security policies for workloads across physical and virtual infrastructures.
In addition, Apstra performs regular network checks to protect the configuration. It is hardware agnostic, so it can integrate with Juniper Networks networking products as well as chassis from Cisco, Arista, Dell, Microsoft and Nvidia.
Since acquiring Apstra in 2021, Juniper has been working to add capabilities and expand its use to broader data center organizations. The latest upgrade continues this strategy.
For example, Juniper Networks Apstra version 4.1.2 can now push configurations in batches across hundreds of routing zones, virtual networks and racks. This makes it easier for customers to assign virtual networks to new racks, or multiple new racks at once, rather than individually.
Customers can more easily allocate or de-allocate resources and services as needed, according to Ben Baker, senior director of cloud/DC marketing and business analytics at Juniper Networks, in a blog about the new Apstra version.
The new version also adds support for other multi-vendor hardware, such as the latest Cisco Nexus 9508 switches and Arista DCS-7280SR3 spine and leaf boxes. It also now integrates with the latest version of VMware NSX-T 3.2 networking software to automate VLAN deployment and validate configurations for customers using the software.
Baker said the vendor has also enhanced its recently launched free-form reference design package to enable customers to design data center networks that support any protocol, topology or network domain. Data center reference designs are provided by all major data center players and typically feature proven, repeatable infrastructure system mappings detailing how network resources are configured.
New in the latest version is the ability to clone and edit configuration templates and property sets. Baker said it also supports new “configlets” that function similarly to Chrome browser plug-ins, so customers can seamlessly integrate their favorite network device configuration tools.
To its intent-based analytics package, Juniper has added new probes that can report environmental conditions such as temperature, fan status, power consumption, and optical transceiver health. The idea, Baker said, is to let customers monitor systems and be alerted to potential hardware issues more quickly to avoid failures and outages.
Juniper Networks Apstra version 4.1.2 will be available this month.