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Your network automation is falling behind. How can you optimize it using the right software?

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Network automation is the process of using software to manage and configure network devices, such as routers, switches, firewalls, and load balancers. It can help you reduce human errors, save time, improve performance, and enhance security. However, network automation is not a one-time project. It requires constant monitoring, testing, updating, and troubleshooting. If you are not using the right software for your network automation, you may be falling behind your competitors and exposing your network to risks. In this article, we will show you how to optimize your network automation using the right software.

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Thiago Cardoso Luiz ?

Technology Executive | App Innovation specialist, AI Enthusiast Author, Mentor, Speaker
Luca Gubler

Helping you become a DevNet Expert | DevNet Expert 20230004
John Gibbs

CCIE #11572, DEVASC, DevNet Class of 2020, #Init6 Member, Cisco Champion 2020-2021 and 2021-2022

1 Assess your network automation needs

Before you choose or upgrade your network automation software, you need to assess your network automation needs. What are your goals, challenges, and priorities for network automation? What are the current gaps and pain points in your network automation process? What are the features and functions that you need from your network automation software? You can use a network automation maturity model, such as the one proposed by Cisco, to evaluate your network automation capabilities and identify areas for improvement. A network automation maturity model can help you measure your network automation progress and align your network automation strategy with your business objectives.

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Thiago Cardoso Luiz ?

Technology Executive | App Innovation specialist, AI Enthusiast Author, Mentor, Speaker
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If we are seeing cloud network, I recommend the assessment tools from cloud providers, for example Azure migrate, to help and understand how network flow are in the actual stage.

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John Gibbs

CCIE #11572, DEVASC, DevNet Class of 2020, #Init6 Member, Cisco Champion 2020-2021 and 2021-2022
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Here are some steps to consider: Identify your network automation requirements, including; challenges and goals, functions and features, and gaps in current automation process. Compare various network automation software, then choose the optimal tool to match your requirements. If you consume cloud workloads, ensure you include this in your requirements. Understanding how your automation tool works is key to ensuring a successful deployment. Deploy the automation software, then monitor and optimise as required. Create a baseline which you can use for reference purposes ongoing. Adapt and modify the software to align with each different automation scenario.

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2 Compare different network automation software

When you have a solid understanding of your network automation needs, you can assess the various network automation software options available in the market. Each tool has its own strengths and weaknesses, so you should consider factors such as compatibility, scalability, flexibility, usability, functionality, security, and cost. Additionally, you can use online reviews, demos, trials, and case studies to compare different software tools and observe how they perform in real-world scenarios. Compatibility looks at whether the software supports your network devices, protocols, standards, and platforms. Scalability evaluates if the software can handle your network size, complexity, and growth. Flexibility examines if the software is able to adapt to your network changes, requirements, and preferences. Usability considers if the software is simple to install, configure, use, and maintain. Functionality checks for features such as network discovery, configuration management, compliance checking, orchestration, testing, troubleshooting, and reporting. Security evaluates if the software protects your network data from unauthorized access and malicious attacks. Cost looks at licensing fees as well as maintenance and support costs.

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3 Choose the best network automation software for your network

Based on your network automation needs and your comparison of different network automation software, you can choose the best network automation software for your network. The best network automation software for your network is the one that meets your network automation goals, solves your network automation challenges, and fits your network automation budget. You should also consider the future compatibility, scalability, flexibility, usability, functionality, security, and cost of the software, as network automation is an ongoing process that requires frequent updates and enhancements. You should also look for a network automation software that offers reliable support, documentation, and community resources to help you with your network automation journey.

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4 Implement your network automation software

After you choose the best network automation software for your network, you need to implement it on your network. This involves installing, configuring, integrating, and testing your network automation software. You should follow the best practices and guidelines provided by your network automation software vendor or developer to ensure a smooth and successful implementation. You should also backup your network data and devices before you implement your network automation software, in case something goes wrong or you need to roll back to a previous state. You should also communicate with your network team and stakeholders about the network automation software implementation, as it may affect their roles, responsibilities, and workflows.

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Luca Gubler

Helping you become a DevNet Expert | DevNet Expert 20230004
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To start, I recommend to implement smaller use cases. This will allow the team to become familiar with the new workflows and gain valuable experience. Additionally, many tools offer a dry run mode which can be used to test the network automation tools at night and identify any changes that may occur. This approach will help the team gain even more experience and build trust in the solution's stability. Once you have that, you can always add additional use cases. and/or workflows. This can then be done much more quickly than the first use case.

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5 Monitor and optimize your network automation software

After you implement your network automation software, you need to monitor and optimize it regularly. You should use the network automation software features and functions to track and measure your network automation performance, such as network availability, reliability, efficiency, and security. You should also use the network automation software feedback and reports to identify and fix any network automation errors, issues, or bottlenecks. You should also update and upgrade your network automation software as needed, to keep up with the latest network automation trends, technologies, and standards. You should also seek and apply the network automation best practices and tips from your network automation software vendor, developer, or community, to improve your network automation skills and results.

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Luca Gubler

Helping you become a DevNet Expert | DevNet Expert 20230004
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One useful approach is to use dry run modes, which are available in some tools. For instance, you could start a dry run at night and review any changes in the morning. These modes allow you to preview any changes before they are made. While most changes are made manually, it is important to clarify which changes should be kept. The dry run mode is also useful for checking if everything is still running after a merge or before/after an update.

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6 Learn and innovate with your network automation software

Finally, you should learn and innovate with your network automation software. You should use your network automation software as a tool to enhance your network knowledge, creativity, and productivity. You should explore and experiment with different network automation features, functions, and scenarios, to discover new ways to automate your network tasks and processes. You should also share and collaborate with other network professionals who use the same or similar network automation software, to exchange network automation ideas, insights, and experiences. You should also keep an eye on the network automation industry and market, to learn about the emerging network automation opportunities, challenges, and solutions.

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Luca Gubler

Helping you become a DevNet Expert | DevNet Expert 20230004
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In my opinion, it is advisable to initially focus on a small and clear use case to prevent scope creep. Avoid automating everything right from the start. Automating a small use case can still provide valuable experience. Some may argue that automation doesn't make sense for small use cases because "it's faster to do it manually", but you just have to go through it. Once you have gained experience, you can implement more complex use cases or workflows. You no longer need to learn the tools, but can focus directly on implementation.

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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?

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Your network automation is falling behind. How can you optimize it using the right software?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess your network automation needs

2 Compare different network automation software

3 Choose the best network automation software for your network

4 Implement your network automation software

5 Monitor and optimize your network automation software

6 Learn and innovate with your network automation software

7 Here’s what else to consider

Network Administration

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Your network automation is falling behind. How can you optimize it using the right software?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess your network automation needs

2 Compare different network automation software

3 Choose the best network automation software for your network

4 Implement your network automation software

5 Monitor and optimize your network automation software

6 Learn and innovate with your network automation software

7 Here’s what else to consider

Network Administration

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