7 features in WeConfig that make network configuration a breeze

Configuring a network is not an easy task, especially in a case where there are several units with many different settings. Luckily WeConfig, Westermo’s network configuration tool, has been designed to make this job easy for any network engineer enabling many hours of work to be avoided. By using WeConfig, many hours of tedious work can be saved not only in the initial installation but also in ongoing maintenance throughout the network’s life.

Following are seven features in the network configuration tool WeConfig that makes configuring your network feel like a breeze. 

Mass Configuration

Units supplied by Westermo are by default compatible with WeConfig straight out of the box. One of the most time-consuming parts of setting up a network is configuring each device one at a time. With WeConfig, a quick scan can display any number of WeOS compatible products, ready for basic configuration. Once each device has a unique IP address, WeConfig has a rich array of additional configurable features from FRNT to VLANS to Syslog to security settings. 

Mass configuration

Report Generation

A network project typically involves a few stages with configuration, testing, and deployment being the most common. Knowing what equipment is installed on a network is important, especially when it is made of many devices, located in many separate locations, usually spanning large distances. This is where reporting tools come very much in handy. Three particularly useful reports in WeConfig are the network baseline report, the deployment report, and the security report.
 For testing, the Network Baseline report provides a detailed document displaying the system load under operation for site deployment, the Deployment Report enables a holistic view of the network, extracting information per device such as serial numbers, firmware versions and port configuration. The Security Report outlines any exposures and provides recommendations to help secure the network along with firewall information.

Download example report

Download example security report

Security Recommendations and Hardening

Once a network is configured, WeConfig will scan the network and highlight any recommendations. The security hardening notification provides a detailed overview and will direct the engineer in how to apply the improvement. A security tab can manually scan the network to outline what ports require protection and further hardening tips such as MAC filtering and Configuration Baselines. Each of these tips can help secure your network from external threats.

A security recommendation 

Firmware Upgrades

Individually upgrading firmware can be a laborious task as well as time-consuming. WeConfig readily has information available displaying the current version of primary and secondary firmware as well as the bootloader version. WeConfig can upgrade the firmware of any WeOS equipment, using a single file, either simultaneously or in a logical order. WeConfig is also smart enough to know which devices are logically the furthest away, meaning that an upgrade will complete in order, preventing unnecessary blackouts and network issues. 

Upgrading firmware through WeConfig

All the right information in one place

WeConfig generates a project for your network. All the information collected on WeOS compatible devices is stored in that project, meaning that if you need to see how a device is configured, or if you require a deeper inspection of the ports or packets, it is all in one place. With the network being a project, it enables one file for a slimline, compact, and detailed transmission of a network between different organisations and Westermo Technical Support. An additional resource is the diagnostics tab, which can monitor SHDSL port information and Fibre Digital Diagnostics to gather evidence of physical connections between sites. 

In WeConfig all the device properties can be viewed in one place

Backup and Tech Support

Sometimes extra help is needed, which where Westermo Global Technical Support can help. Within a project there is an option to take a backup of all units, in one go, and extract valuable technical support files. The backups themselves are located per each device, whilst the tech support files are located as an attachment. A WeConfig project file can be sent to Westermo Technical experts in its entirety for them to look at it and help them understand your network to resolve any technical issues. 

Backup configurations

Secure your project

WeConfig can hold a lot of valuable information about your network. In the wrong hands it can potentially expose the network for malicious intent. Once a project has been completed and signed off, WeConfig has an option to secure the project with an encrypted password, providing an additional layer of security. This extra level of security enables confidence if you need to transfer the project to Westermo Technical Support for diagnostics.

Securing a project with a password

If you want more information about the reliable assistant WeConfig, you can read it here. In need of some hands on training with WeConfig? The Westermo Academy course Certified Engineer Switching teaches you how to use WeConfig to configure, manage and maintain your network with confidence.