IP Address Management (IPAM)

ipam - methodoloty and suite of tools used to plan, track, and manage IP address aspace in a network infrastructure.

DHCP is automated,

oversees the allocation and make sure that it matches the

IPAM creates a systemateic and error resistant way to manage ip. checks for conflicts and ensures two are not on the same IP address.

new vm will be assigned with a new hostname and ip that match. most IPAM can be used to manage and be used by cybersecurity teams.

IPAM (IP Address Management)

Concept

• Methodology + tools used to plan, track, and manage IP address space in a network.
• Works alongside DHCP and DNS to ensure accurate, conflict-free assignments.

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Functions

• Centralized oversight of IP allocation.
• Prevents duplicate/conflicting IPs.
• Tracks hostnames ↔ IPs ↔ MACs.
• Automates documentation of IP usage (instead of static spreadsheets).
• Integrates with DHCP → ensures dynamic assignments match policies.
• Integrates with DNS → automatically updates hostnames with IPs.

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Benefits

• Error-resistant: reduces manual mistakes.
• Efficient: prevents wasted IP space.
• Scalable: supports growing networks (esp. with virtualization).
• Security:
  • Helps cybersecurity teams detect rogue or unauthorized devices.
  • Provides visibility into what hosts exist on the network.

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Example

• A new VM is spun up → DHCP assigns it an IP + hostname.
• IPAM logs it automatically into the inventory, ensuring no conflicts.

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✅ Exam Must-Knows

• IPAM = plan, track, and manage IPs.
• Works with DHCP + DNS.
• Prevents conflicts.
• Valuable for cybersecurity visibility.

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⚡Memory Trick:

“IPAM = IP Address Manager” → Tracks every IP so no two hosts collide.