Overview
Network automation aims to replace manual, CLI-based configuration with automated workflows. This reduces human error, improves consistency, and allows network teams to scale their operations.
Key Technologies
- Configuration Management: Tools like Ansible, Puppet, and Chef.
- Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Using tools like Terraform to define network infrastructure.
- Python: The primary programming language for network scripting and automation.
- APIs: Using RESTful APIs or NETCONF/RESTCONF to interact with network devices.
Benefits
- Speed: Deploy changes in minutes instead of hours or days.
- Reliability: Eliminates 'fat-finger' errors and ensures configurations match the intended state.
- Visibility: Automated tools can provide better insights into network health and performance.