Abstract: A method and apparatus of a device that updates boot images of a network segment of a network is described. In an exemplary embodiment, the device receives a configuration point for the network segment, where the network segment includes a heterogeneous mix of a plurality of network elements. For each of the plurality of network elements in the network segment, the device identifies a boot image for that network element corresponding to the configuration point and updates the network element. The boot image for a network element includes the software that network element runs and a configuration of this software.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to configure a plurality of network elements is described. In an exemplary embodiment, an automation controller receives a plurality of labels for the plurality of network elements. Each of the plurality of labels is associated with a different configlet and each of the different configlets includes a configuration command. The automation controller further assembles the plurality of configlets into separate configurations corresponding to each of the plurality of network elements. In addition, the automation controller configures each of the plurality of network elements using the separate configuration corresponding to that network element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to configure a plurality of network elements is described. In an exemplary embodiment, an automation controller receives a plurality of labels for the plurality of network elements. Each of the plurality of labels is associated with a different configlet and each of the different configlets includes a configuration command. The automation controller further assembles the plurality of configlets into separate configurations corresponding to each of the plurality of network elements. In addition, the automation controller configures each of the plurality of network elements using the separate configuration corresponding to that network element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of a device that updates boot images of a network segment of a network is described. In an exemplary embodiment, the device receives a configuration point for the network segment, where the network segment includes a heterogeneous mix of a plurality of network elements. For each of the plurality of network elements in the network segment, the device identifies a boot image for that network element corresponding to the configuration point and updates the network element. The boot image for a network element includes the software that network element runs and a configuration of this software.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and system for managing an audit of one or more network layer devices is provided. An audit management system accessible by a user via a graphical user interface acquires network layer device information of the network layer devices and a configuration file comprising configuration file commands. The audit management system allows creation and/or selection of one or more audit policies for the network layer devices. The audit policies comprise one or more audit rules that define functioning of the network layer devices for one or more compliance policies. The audit management system executes the audit policies for performing the audit of the network layer devices by comparing the configuration file commands of the configuration file with the audit rules of the audit policies, and generates a report comprising information about security and compliance of the network layer devices with the compliance policies based on the audit.