What network automation tools offer the most robust network provisioning capabilities?

1 Automation Basics

Network automation involves using software to create repeatable instructions and processes to replace or reduce human interaction with network devices. By automating routine tasks, you can ensure they are executed consistently and without human error, leading to a more stable network environment. This is particularly beneficial when provisioning new devices or services, as it allows for rapid deployment and configuration changes across the network. The most robust tools will offer a wide range of features, from configuration management to automatic documentation, compliance checks, and even self-healing functions that detect and correct network issues.

2 Configuration Management

Central to network provisioning is configuration management, which ensures that all network devices are set up correctly. The most robust network automation tools will provide a centralized platform where you can manage configurations for thousands of devices. These tools typically allow you to push out new configurations, update existing ones, and roll back changes if necessary. They also maintain a history of configurations, making it easy to troubleshoot problems or revert to a previous state. This level of control and oversight is crucial for maintaining the health and performance of your network.

3 Provisioning Protocols

Understanding the protocols that underpin network automation is key. For instance, NETCONF (Network Configuration Protocol) and RESTCONF are protocols used for installing, manipulating, and deleting the configuration of network devices. These protocols are supported by robust automation tools, allowing for standardized ways of communicating with a wide array of devices. This standardization is important because it means you can use the same tool across different vendor platforms, which simplifies the provisioning process and reduces the learning curve for network teams.

4 Scripting Languages

Scripting languages like Python play a vital role in network automation. They allow you to write custom scripts that can automate complex network tasks. The most robust tools provide libraries and modules that make it easier to interface with network devices. For example, using Python scripts, you can automate the process of extracting information from devices, making configuration changes, and even responding to network events in real-time. The flexibility that scripting languages offer makes them an indispensable component of a robust network automation toolkit.

5 Orchestration Platforms

Beyond individual tools, orchestration platforms take automation to the next level by coordinating complex workflows across multiple systems. These platforms can manage the entire lifecycle of network services, from initial provisioning to decommissioning. They allow you to define high-level policies that govern how the network should behave and then automate the enforcement of those policies. This holistic approach ensures that all parts of the network work together seamlessly, which is crucial for delivering robust and scalable network services.

6 Continuous Integration

Finally, the concept of continuous integration (CI) from software development has found its way into network automation. CI involves the use of automated testing and deployment methodologies to ensure that changes to the network are made reliably and without disruption. Robust automation tools integrate with CI processes to test proposed changes in a safe environment before they are applied to the live network. This reduces the risk of outages or other issues caused by configuration changes and is a hallmark of advanced network provisioning capabilities.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?