Apstra intent-based networking software from Juniper gains new configuration capabilities, multivendor support and improved environmental analytics. Credit: Antonio Diaz / Shutterstock Juniper Networks is releasing a new version of its Apstra intent-based networking software that includes more extensive configuration capabilities, additional multivendor hardware and software support, and improved environmental analytics. Apstra keeps a real-time repository of configuration, telemetry and validation information to ensure a network is doing what the enterprise wants it to do. Companies can use Apstra’s automation capabilities to deliver consistent network and security policies for workloads across physical and virtual infrastructures. In addition, Apstra performs regular network checks to safeguard configurations. It’s hardware agnostic, so it can be integrated to work with Juniper’s networking products as well as boxes from Cisco, Arista, Dell, Microsoft and Nvidia. Since it bought Apstra in 2021, Juniper has been on a mission to add features and expand its use to a wider range of data center organizations. The latest upgrades continue that strategy. Juniper Apstra version 4.1.2 can now push configurations in bulk across hundreds of routing zones, virtual networks and racks, for example. This lets customers more easily allocate virtual networks to new racks or assign multiple new racks all at one time rather than individually. Customers can more easily allocate – or deallocate as the case might be – resources and services depending on needs, according to a blog on the new Apstra release by Ben Baker, senior director, Cloud/DC Marketing & Business Analysis, with Juniper. The new release also adds support for additional multivendor hardware such as the latest Cisco Nexus 9508 switch and Arista DCS-7280SR3 spine and leaf box. It also now integrates with the latest release of VMware’s NSX-T 3.2 networking software to automate VLAN deployment and validate configurations for customers using that software. Baker stated the vendor has also enhanced its recently introduced Freeform Reference Design package, which lets customers design data-center networks that support any protocol, topology or network domain. Data center reference designs are offered by all major data center players and typically feature validated, repeatable infrastructure system maps that detail how networked resources are configured. New to the latest release is the ability to clone and edit configuration templates and property sets. It also supports new “configlets” that function like Chrome browser add-ons, so customers can seamlessly integrate the network device configuration tools they prefer, Baker stated. For 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 is to let customers monitor systems and be more quickly alerted to potential hardware problems to avoid failures and outages, Baker said. Juniper Apstra Version 4.1.2 will be available this month. Related content news Cisco CCNA and AWS cloud networking rank among highest paying IT certifications Cloud expertise and security know-how remain critical in building today’s networks, and these skills pay top dollar, according to Skillsoft’s annual ranking of the most valuable IT certifications. Demand for talent continues to outweigh s By Denise Dubie Nov 30, 2023 7 mins Certifications Certifications Certifications news Mainframe modernization gets a boost from Kyndryl, AWS collaboration Kyndryl and AWS have expanded their partnership to help enterprise customers simplify and accelerate their mainframe modernization initiatives. By Michael Cooney Nov 30, 2023 4 mins Mainframes Cloud Computing Data Center news AWS and Nvidia partner on Project Ceiba, a GPU-powered AI supercomputer The companies are extending their AI partnership, and one key initiative is a supercomputer that will be integrated with AWS services and used by Nvidia’s own R&D teams. By Andy Patrizio Nov 30, 2023 3 mins CPUs and Processors Generative AI Supercomputers news VMware stung by defections and layoffs after Broadcom close Layoffs and executive departures are expected after an acquisition, but there's also concern about VMware customer retention. By Andy Patrizio Nov 30, 2023 3 mins Virtualization Data Center Industry Podcasts Videos Resources Events NEWSLETTERS Newsletter Promo Module Test Description for newsletter promo module. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe