Client Results — Technology

Custom Port Configurator Extends Network Operations to Help Desk Teams

A purpose-built web interface enables non-network IT staff to perform pre-approved access layer port configurations while preserving existing automation workflows and configuration governance.

Network automation · Self-service operations · Configuration governance
2–4 weeks
Development timeline
From kickoff to working proof of concept
Zero
Workflow disruption
Preserves Golden Configuration deployment
Full scope
Access layer coverage
Cisco Catalyst and Arista switches supported
$14K
Professional services
Complete proof of concept development
Technology

The Organization

A technology organization with enterprise campus networking infrastructure requiring frequent access layer port configuration changes to support end-user connectivity requests from help desk teams.

Campus network with Cisco Catalyst 3850 and 9300 stacks plus Arista 48-port access switches, existing Golden Configuration automation workflows, and version control systems.

The Challenge

Help desk personnel regularly received end-user requests for port configuration changes but lacked the network expertise to safely modify access layer configurations. All port changes required escalation to network engineering teams, creating bottlenecks and delayed response times.

The organization needed to extend operational capabilities to non-network staff while maintaining strict configuration governance and preserving existing automation workflows.

All port configuration changes required network engineering escalation
Delayed response times for routine end-user connectivity requests
Inefficient allocation of specialized engineering resources
Need to maintain existing Golden Configuration deployment models
Risk of configuration drift from manual changes outside automation

IVI's Approach

IVI developed a custom web-based interface that integrates with existing network automation infrastructure to enable controlled delegation of routine port management tasks while preserving configuration authority and governance.

Phase 1: Workflow Integration Analysis

Analyzed existing Golden Configuration deployment models and version control systems to design integration points that preserve operational ownership and change governance.

Phase 2: Web Interface Development

Built a purpose-built web application providing port discovery, configuration profile visibility, profile assignment capabilities, and port status monitoring for help desk operations.

Phase 3: Automation Pipeline Integration

Integrated the interface with existing network automation infrastructure to dynamically generate configurations using current template structures and maintain version control standards.

Phase 4: Physical Device Testing

Validated the proof of concept against representative access layer hardware to demonstrate real-world operational impact and configuration accuracy.

Technology Stack

Cisco Catalyst 3850
Access layer switch stacks for testing
Cisco Catalyst 9300
Access layer switch stacks for testing
Arista 48-port Access
Access layer switches for testing
Custom Web Interface
User-facing port configuration portal
Network Automation Pipeline
Golden Configuration deployment integration
Version Control System
Change governance and template management

Proof of Concept Outcomes

The proof of concept successfully demonstrated the technical feasibility and operational workflow integration required to extend network operations capabilities to help desk teams while maintaining enterprise-grade governance.

Operational capability extension

Help desk personnel can now perform pre-approved port configuration changes including profile assignments and port status monitoring without network engineering escalation.

Workflow preservation

Existing Golden Configuration deployment models and version control standards remain intact, with dynamic configuration generation using current template structures.

Real-world validation

Configuration changes executed successfully against physical Cisco Catalyst and Arista access layer devices, demonstrating operational readiness.

Governance maintenance

All changes integrate directly into existing automation pipelines, preserving configuration authority within established version control systems.

Explore Related Solutions

FAQs
How does this maintain security and configuration governance?

The solution integrates directly with existing Golden Configuration workflows and version control systems. All changes use pre-approved templates and maintain the same governance standards as current network automation processes.

What level of training do help desk staff need?

The web interface is designed for non-network personnel. Help desk staff only need basic training on port discovery, profile selection, and status monitoring - no network engineering knowledge required.

Can this approach scale beyond access layer ports?

Yes. The same workflow integration principles can extend to other routine network configuration tasks while preserving existing automation infrastructure and change governance processes.

What happens if the automation system is unavailable?

The solution is designed to fail safely. If automation systems are unavailable, the interface prevents changes and escalates to network engineering teams, maintaining operational continuity.

See What IVI Can Do for Your Organization

Every engagement starts with understanding your environment, your goals, and your constraints.

Start a Conversation