The automated nature of software-defined networks makes it relatively straightforward to roll out changes, but this convenience comes at a cost. The fact that implementing an update requires little to no manual input means errors can spread across an environment before anyone has a chance to intervene, an issue Cumulus Networks Inc. wants to address.

The switching startup unveiled a new tool today that aims to ease the task of troubleshooting software-defined environments. Dubbed NetQ, it’s designed as an alternative to traditional diagnostics tools such as Ping that were created in an era where packets were handled using much less sophisticated infrastructure. The offering can analyze data from network devices running Cumulus’ operating system and the servers they support to uncover potential problems.

NetQ allows administrators to put the information to use with a “preventative workflow” mechanism that makes it possible to check the changes brought by an update at every phase of the rollout. If an issue is spotted, companies can halt the process and thereby limit the amount of affected infrastructure, which in turn reduces the operational impact.

NetQ’s incremental verification feature is paired with a monitoring console that aims to help organizations pick up on more subtle network issues. In particular, it’s designed to tackle anomalies that aren’t causing any noticeable disruption but may indicate the presence of a larger problem. Finding such issues early makes it possible to preempt any downtime that they could cause further down the road. 

Rounding out the feature set is a historical analysis tool that lets administrators check what happened in the run up to an undesired change for clues as to the cause. Cumulus hopes that easing the task of troubleshooting networks based on its platform will help win over companies with a risk-averse operational philosophy more easily. The startup has an installed base of more than 600 organizations that includes NASA and Verizon Communications Inc.

Image: Pixabay