Heavy Networking 692: Implementing Practical Network Automation – With Tony Bourke
Jul 28, 2023
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Tony Bourke, an expert in network automation tools, discusses the evolution and benefits of automation, centralized configuration management, infrastructure as code, data modeling, continuous integration, and the challenges and tools for network automation in cloud and on-premises environments.
Proper preparation is essential for implementing network automation, including selecting the right tools and techniques as the standard in the industry.
Continuous development and readiness are crucial for navigating the evolving landscape of network automation strategies and adapting them to different networking environments.
Automation tools such as Ansible, Python, and reliable APIs like REST Conf have revolutionized network configuration and management, providing flexibility and reducing reliance on traditional methods.
Deep dives
Importance of Choosing the Right Monitoring Solution
Selecting the right monitoring solution, such as Pestler PRTG hosted monitor, is crucial for IT professionals, akin to choosing the right mattress for personal well-being. The podcast highlights the significance of infrastructure monitoring in the IT domain, emphasizing that even though it may not be top of mind, it plays a vital role in decision-making and network management. The importance of cloud-based monitoring solutions is underscored, with a promotional offer shared for new customers to avail a discount, showcasing the value of efficient monitoring tools.
Evolution of Network Automation Technologies
The podcast delves into the evolution of network automation tools and techniques, focusing on the standardization that has emerged over the years. Highlighting network automation as a key consideration for IT professionals, the discussion explores various approaches adopted by organizations. The conversation with Tony Burke emphasizes the diverse strategies employed in network automation, emphasizing the need for continuous development and preparation in navigating the automation landscape.
Advantages and Challenges Across Cloud and On-Premises Networking
While discussing network automation, the podcast touches on adapting automation practices to both cloud and on-premises networking environments. The comparison highlights the advantages offered by cloud networking, such as ease of creating virtual environments for testing, in contrast to the complexities of mirroring physical networks in on-premises setups. The importance of understanding the differences in approach based on the networking environment is emphasized, showcasing the significance of aligning automation strategies with the specific network architecture.
Automated System for Endpoint Checks
Having an automated system to check numerous endpoints for connectivity can enhance confidence in network operations. By automating the pre-checks and post-checks process, organizations can ensure that network connections are robust and reliable. Although the implementation of pre and post checks may currently involve complexity and sophistication, advancements in automation tools like AvD and Pi ATS for Cisco are paving the way for streamlined processes, potentially leading to simpler network analysis and management.
Evolution of Network Automation Tools
The landscape of network automation tools has evolved to encompass a variety of platforms, APIs, and libraries such as Ansible, Python, and nor near. These tools enable remote programmatic changes and configuration management, reducing the reliance on traditional methods like screen scraping. The emergence of reliable APIs like REST Conf, Net Conf, and GRPC, along with screen scraping libraries like Netmiko, has revolutionized the way devices are configured remotely. With an array of automation tools available, organizations have the flexibility to choose between open-source options like Ansible and vendor-specific tools for network automation, depending on their specific needs and level of flexibility required.
If you’ve been staring down the barrel of network automation and wonder what the proper approach might be, today’s episode is for you. The Packet Pushers chat with Tony Bourke about what network automation tools and techniques have become the default standard, how to prepare your network and team for automation, and how to get started.
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