FS AmpCon™: Your Network Automation Partner

Imagine that you can deploy and configure thousands of remote access switches with just one click, without worrying about human errors or complex operational processes. In today's highly interconnected world, network automation has become a key enabler for enterprises to achieve operational efficiency and flexibility. AmpCon™, as an innovative network automation tool, offers businesses a simplified, efficient, and scalable way to manage their network devices.

FS is a professional provider of communication and high-speed network system solutions to networking, data center and telecom customers. Now, FS.com offers PicOS® Switches with AmpCon™ support, designed to meet the evolving networking demands. In this article, we will introduce you to the powerful capabilities of AmpCon™.

What Is FS AmpCon™?

AmpCon™, short for "amplified control", is a management platform that automates Zero Touch Provisioning (ZTP), deployment, configuration, and lifecycle management for FS PicOS® software switches. It features a Web UI and is deployed as a software appliance, capable of running within a virtual machine (VM) in the data center or the cloud. AmpCon™ enables remote deployment and scalability for 1000s of PicOS® software switches.

What Are the Benefits of FS AmpCon™ Management Platform?

FS AmpCon™ Management Platform is a powerful network management solution that brings numerous benefits to organizations. Compared to the network automation software provided by traditional suppliers such as Cisco, using AmpCon™ provides a better fit with the open networking trend. Organizations are not compelled to be tied to traditional access network vendors and incur high costs for network automation software.

Traditional vendors offer tools for automating switch deployment, but they come at a high cost, require skilled network programmers to operate, and may require you to upgrade to the latest switch models. Take Cisco's DNA Center as an example. To achieve automation, you first need to set up DNA Center itself, which can become complex. Additionally, software installation is required on both the server and switch sides. However, AmpCon™ actually offers a very comparable function to Cisco's DNA Center in a user-friendly way.

Automate End-to-end Network Lifecycle Management

FS AmpCon™ enables comprehensive management and continuous maintenance of network devices and components. With its end-to-end network lifecycle management, it automates resource allocation, maintenance, compliance checks, and upgrades, effectively preventing configuration errors and downtime. This functionality ensures efficient and stable network operation, providing a streamlined and comprehensive management solution.

• Zero-Touch Provisioning: Automated deployment and configuration methods streamline network device setup without manual intervention. This simplifies deployment, saves time and manual labor, ensures consistency and security, and offers remote management capabilities.

• Configuration Management: AmpCon™ can push updates, patches, and error fixes to a single or group of switches to save labor, prevent downtime, and maintain network security.

• Backups and Compliance: AmpCon™ provides configuration retrieval, backup, and compliance check functionalities. It periodically captures switch configurations, including any changes made, ensuring the latest configuration is available for quick re-installation in the event of a switch failure. Additionally, AmpCon™ ensures switches remain compliant with industry regulations that mandate specific configurations to uphold optimal security and privacy standards.

• License Management: AmpCon™ can generate an inventory report of all currently installed licenses for Pica8 switches in the network, and update licenses that are approaching expiration with support.

Enhance IT Efficiency and Expedite Service Delivery

AmpCon™ management platform automates the tedious tasks associated with common network operations, such as configuration backup, configuration updates, RMA replacements, scheduled software upgrades, custom (user-defined) workflows, and switch visibility (port stats, health check). This enhances IT productivity and accelerates service delivery.

Optimal Automation Efficiency through Agentless Ansible Playbooks

AmpCon™ management platform provides common features for daily network operations and supports custom workflows using Ansible playbooks for scheduled tasks and easy-to-read reports. It can utilize Ansible for remote automation configuration and management of switch devices, enabling most basic configuration management operations through built-in network modules.

Highlights of AmpCon™ Management Platform

• Web-based user interface – simple to learn and use

• Automated turn-on and configuration of all PICOS-powered switches

• Scheduled backups and upgrades

• Infinite expandability with open APIs

• Reduces operating expenses (OpEx)

• Eliminates human error in large-scale deployments and upgrades

Applications of AmpCon™ Management Platform

FS AmpCon™ allows administrators to deploy hundreds or thousands of open network switches running PicOS® with a simple and user-friendly GUI. Administrators can define global configurations as well as variations specific to sites or regions, and associate them with individual switches. Once the switches are installed and powered up at remote sites, an auto-connection script automatically downloads the designated configurations to the switches and performs validation and software updates. This simplifies the process of large-scale switch deployment, improving deployment efficiency and consistency.

Summary

FS AmpCon™ management platform is an innovative open network automation tool that empowers organizations to upgrade their networks with ease. With its smooth operations and simplified management, AmpCon™ offers a seamless experience for network administrators.

FS, a global provider of ICT network products and solutions, now provides network switches that can use AmpCon™ for free. For more information, please check FS.COM.