IP address management (IPAM) can be defined broadly as encompassing three major interrelated functions: IP address inventory, dynamic IP address services management, and IP names services management. Each of these functions is critical to the proper operation of an IP network. Effective IP management requires proper allocation of address space so that there's adequate address capacity where and when it's needed, accurate configuration of DHCP servers for dynamic address users, including differentiation of employees versus "guests", and accurate configuration of DNS servers so resources can be accessed easily. Best practices for IP inventory management include tracking inventory address space in a centralized database, rigorously recording allocations and periodically reconciling actual IP-related data from the network with the inventory database, performing and tracking address space allocations in accordance with routing topology to model and optimize route aggregation.

Learn more about best practices for IP management:
- read the white paper at ComputerWorld