Overview

Texas A&M Technology Services uses Infoblox to manage IP address and domain name assignments for the campus network. Infoblox provides services for DNS, DHCP, and Malware prevention.

Getting Started

Access to Infoblox is granted by Texas A&M Technology Services. To request access, email infoblox@tamu.edu. Infoblox can be accessed at the https://infoblox.net.tamu.edu/.

Infoblox requires your NetID and password as well as two-factor authentication. More information on using Duo two-factor authentication with Infoblox can be found in the IT Self Service Knowledge Base.

Help and Support

Please refer to the Service Details, Request, FAQ and Guidelines sections for additional general information on Infoblox. Documentation is also available at the IT Self Service Knowledge Base.

Help Documentation and Videos

Contact Information

Network Installation Design Standards

Request

Request access to Infoblox

Email infoblox@tamu.edu to request access to Infoblox.

Request a subdomain

Departments can request a subdomain to manage web names within their subdomain (department) with granularity and control. Requests for a subdomain are approved by the department head or a higher level IT professional. Review our Infoblox documentation for access to the ServiceNow request form and an outline of the approval process.

Request a TAMU.EDU host domain

A new host on the .tamu.edu root domain will require approval by the Vice President for Information Technology (CIO) and the Division of Marketing and Communication. Review our Infoblox documentation for access to the ServiceNow request form and an outline of the approval process.

Service Details

Infoblox provides management for the following services:

IPAM - IP Address Management is provided as a map illustrating used and available network space within your IP address space. You can also view IP conflicts, DNS objects, active DHCP leases, static IP assignments, and other information quickly. IPAM within Infoblox allows for creation of hosts and their requisite records, including A Records, CNames, PTR Records and MX Records.

DNS - Changes to Domain Name System records in Infoblox, including creation of new and deletion of old records, are instantaneous. DNS changes can also be scheduled in advance to take advantage of maintenance windows.

DHCP - Dynamic Host Connection Protocol services in Infoblox are integrated with DNS and IPAM to provide a single point of management. DHCP pool configuration is requested through Technology Services.

Malware Prevention - Infoblox utilizes DNS Response Policy Zones to prevent access to known malware websites. Additional information on malware blocking can be found on the IT Self Service Knowledge Base.

NTP - Network Time Protocol is provided by Infoblox for use by servers and workstations on campus.

Guidelines

Requesting tamu.edu host names

When a campus unit requests a new website URL ending in tamu.edu (i.e. president.tamu.edu or fearlessfront.tamu.edu), it will require approval by the Vice President for Information Technology (CIO) and the Division of Marketing and Communication. Additional information is available in the IT Self Service Knowledge Base.

This process was developed by Technology Services to improve our domain management process and make access to the system more secure. This process also allows Texas A&M University Marketing and Communications to protect the brand and reputation of the university.

Requesting subdomains

Departments can request a subdomain to allow them to create hosts within it. This allows departments to manage resources within their subdomain (department) with appropriate granularity and control. Requests for a subdomain are approved by the department head or a higher level IT professional. Additional information is available in the IT Self Service Knowledge Base.

Using Infoblox Effectively:

Additional Infoblox behaviors and expectations can be found on the IT Self Service Knowledge Base

  1. Allocate IP addresses in Infoblox before using them - It is important to allocate the IP address within Infoblox before use to prevent collisions which occur if two people attempt to use the same IP address. In most cases any open address in a range can be used, it is best practice to pick the first available unused IP address in the range. This allows for DHCP ranges to be more easily configured from the remaining blocks of unused addresses.
  2. Allocate addresses only as you need them - Texas A&M Technology Services manages all IP addresses through Infoblox and all campus users share this resource. Pre-allocation of addresses may deny other users valid access to the network and convey wrong information regarding the available capacity of a network.
  3. Keep Infoblox entries updated - When network problems occur, this information is critical in tracking down machines and their administrators.
  4. Delete Infoblox entries that are no longer used - This frees up address space for other users. A "reclaim" button allows you to easily reclaim an address in your subnet for re-assignment.

FAQ

What is Infoblox?
How do I access Infoblox?
When do changes in Infoblox show up in DNS?
Can I use 2-Factor authentication with Infoblox?
Where can I learn how to perform basic functions within Infoblox?

What is Infoblox?

Infoblox is a system that combines DNS, DHCP, and IPAM services for Texas A&M University.

How do I access Infoblox?

You access Infoblox by going to https://infoblox.net.tamu.edu/ and logging in with your NetID and NetID password. NetID Two-Factor Authentication is also required.

Access to Infoblox is granted by Texas A&M Technology Services. To request access, email infoblox@tamu.edu.

When do changes in Infoblox show up in DNS?

By default, any change made in Infoblox will be made immediately. However, you can schedule changes for a future date and time to make use of existing maintenance windows.

Can I use Two-Factor authentication with Infoblox?

Yes. You can use Duo Two-Factor authentication via push, YubiKey, and Phone authentication.

Where can I learn how to perform basic functions within Infoblox?

There is a list of Help Documents and Videos on the Overview section, and there are more resources for using Infoblox on the IT Self Service Knowledge Base.

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