What are the most cost-effective ways to automate and orchestrate LAN-WAN for Network Engineering?

1 What is LAN-WAN automation and orchestration?

LAN-WAN automation and orchestration are processes that use software tools, scripts, or protocols to perform network tasks without manual intervention. Automation refers to the execution of predefined commands or workflows, while orchestration refers to the coordination and integration of multiple automation tasks across different devices, platforms, or domains. For example, you can automate the configuration of a router or switch, or orchestrate the deployment of a firewall policy across multiple sites.

2 Why should you automate and orchestrate LAN-WAN?

Automating and orchestrating LAN-WAN for network engineering offers several advantages, such as cost savings, efficiency, and accuracy. By eliminating manual labor and hardware upgrades, you can reduce operational and capital expenses. You can also optimize your network resources by using dynamic and adaptive policies. Furthermore, you can speed up the delivery and maintenance of your network services by utilizing standardized and consistent processes. Additionally, you can simplify the management and troubleshooting of your network by using centralized and unified tools. Moreover, you can minimize human errors that could lead to network failures or security breaches by using automated validation and verification. This will help ensure that your network is in line with your business goals and policies.

3 How can you automate and orchestrate LAN-WAN?

When automating and orchestrating LAN-WAN for network engineering, there are various approaches to consider, depending on the size, complexity, and requirements of your network. Command-line interface (CLI) scripting is the simplest option, where scripts or batch files are used to run commands on your network devices. However, this method can be limited and error-prone. Application programming interface (API) integration is more advanced and flexible, allowing you to send and receive data or commands in a structured format, such as XML or JSON. Network automation and orchestration platforms are the most comprehensive and sophisticated form of automation and orchestration, offering end-to-end solutions such as network discovery, inventory, configuration, provisioning, monitoring, troubleshooting, compliance, and optimization. These platforms can be vendor-neutral or vendor-specific.

5 What are the challenges and limitations of LAN-WAN automation and orchestration?

While LAN-WAN automation and orchestration can offer many advantages for network engineering, they can also pose some challenges and limitations. Complexity and diversity of the network, resistance and culture of the network team or organization, as well as cost and resources required can all be potential issues. This complexity can make it difficult to automate and orchestrate tasks consistently and efficiently, and require multiple tools or methods. Additionally, the team or organization may be resistant to adoption due to fear of losing control, skills, or jobs. Finally, significant cost and resources may be necessary for acquisition, deployment, integration, and maintenance of automation and orchestration tools or platforms. All of these considerations can affect the return on investment and value proposition of your automation and orchestration solutions.