How to Automate Network Device Configurations Using Configlets in ManageEngine OpManager

What’s the Real Cost of a Misconfigured Command in Your Network?

For Technical Directors and Infrastructure Managers, it’s a question that sits at the heart of every compliance audit, uptime report, and incident review:

What happens when one command, typed manually, brings an entire segment of your network down?

With enterprise networks growing more complex, spanning thousands of routers, switches, and firewalls, the traditional approach to configuration management — manual entry via CLI —has become dangerously obsolete.

Manual network configuration doesn't just slow teams down — it introduces risk, increases operational overhead, and makes it nearly impossible to scale securely or meet compliance mandates.

ManageEngine ITOM , OpManager, with its Network Configuration Manager (NCM) add-on, introduces Configlets to solve exactly this problem. Configlets are script-based templates that enable network teams to standardize, automate, and securely deploy configuration changes at scale — without repetitive manual work.

This article explores how Configlets work, why they matter, and how you can implement them to transform your network operations.

What Are Configlets?

Configlets are reusable script templates that allow IT teams to automate configuration changes across multiple devices simultaneously. Designed for versatility, they support bulk execution of commands to routers, switches, firewalls, and more.

Core Benefits:

• Efficiency: Eliminate repetitive manual configuration tasks.
• Consistency: Standardize network settings across your infrastructure.
• Security: Prevent human errors that lead to vulnerabilities.
• Compliance: Enforce policies and pass audits with consistent configs.
• Scalability: Easily support expanding device fleets without adding headcount.

Execution Modes of Configlets

ManageEngine supports three powerful modes of Configlet execution, tailored to varying levels of complexity and device support:

1. File Transfer Mode

• Best for simple tasks like changing SNMP strings or syslog destinations.
• Uses TFTP to upload prewritten config files.
• Ideal for network-wide changes that don’t require conditional logic.

2. Script Execution Mode

• Executes CLI commands directly on target devices.
• Suitable for password changes, synchronizing startup configs, or disabling unused ports.

3. Advanced Script Execution Mode

• For complex scenarios that require conditional execution or variable prompts.
• Useful in firmware updates, banner changes, or applying dynamic rules based on environment.

Each mode supports a broad set of vendors, including Cisco, Juniper, Fortinet, and HP, and integrates seamlessly into your device inventory in OpManager.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Configlets

Step 1: Creating a Configlet

1. Navigate to Config Automation > Configlets > All Configlets.
2. Click Add and enter a name and description.
3. Choose your execution mode (File Transfer, Script, or Advanced Script).
4. Enter the required CLI commands or upload script.
5. Save the Configlet for execution.

Step 2: Executing a Configlet

1. Select the Configlet from your saved list.
2. Click the Execute icon.
3. Choose the target devices or device groups.
4. Enter any required variables (like interface names).
5. Confirm and deploy.

Step 3: Scheduling a Configlet

1. Set Configlet execution to run hourly, daily, or weekly.
2. Define job priority, time windows, and retry logic.
3. Enable notifications for success/failure logs to email or syslog.

Real-World Case: Reducing ACL Misconfigurations

A multinational enterprise was experiencing intermittent connectivity issues due to outdated ACLs across branch office routers. Manual updates took weeks and often introduced inconsistencies.

By deploying a standardized Configlet:

• The team created an ACL update script using Script Execution Mode.
• Applied it to 200+ routers in under an hour.
• Reduced misconfiguration incidents by over 80%.
• Cut manual effort from weeks to minutes.

This not only resolved the immediate bottleneck but also established an automated method for future ACL enforcement.

Programmable Configlets: Taking It to the Next Level

For teams needing advanced control, Programmable Configlets allow for:

• Dynamic Variables: Apply device-specific values at runtime.
• Conditional Logic: Skip or modify commands based on device status.
• Secure Credential Handling: Use role-based access to protect sensitive scripts.

These features enable highly customizable workflows while maintaining centralized control over automation.

The Measurable Impact of Configlets

Organizations that have adopted Configlets report:

• 70% reduction in configuration errors.
• Up to 80% faster execution of bulk changes.
• Improved audit readiness due to standardized, trackable changes.
• Lower MTTR (Mean Time to Resolution) for configuration-related incidents.

These operational gains translate into reduced downtime, increased security posture, and improved IT team morale.

Conclusion: Automation as a Strategic Enabler

In today’s high-stakes, high-complexity IT environments, manual configuration is no longer a viable strategy. It's too slow, too risky, and too resource-intensive.

Configlets in ManageEngine ITOM , OpManager offer a scalable, secure, and intelligent way to automate your device configurations. From bulk changes and rollback options to real-time execution tracking and audit compliance, Configlets empower your team to:

• Operate faster
• Stay compliant
• Reduce risk
• Scale without stress

Ready to eliminate repetitive configuration work and harden your network posture?

Explore Configlets in OpManager and schedule a personalized demo with Sana Soft, for your infrastructure needs.