Heavy Networking HN780: The Whys and Hows of Automated Network Testing
May 9, 2025
Dan Wade, a network automation practice lead at Blue Ally and co-author of a Cisco Press book, dives into the world of network testing. He outlines the importance of testing before automation, highlighting four key types, including unit and integration tests. The discussion expands on modern protocols like Yang, RESTCONF, and NETCONF, emphasizing their roles in effective network management. Wade also shares insights on Python testing frameworks and the push for continuous compliance in network management, paving the way for streamlined operations.
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Why Network Testing Matters
- Network testing allows you to learn about your network and automation without risking breaking changes.
- It offers a low-risk starting point for adopting automation and building network confidence.
Unit vs Integration Testing
- Unit tests focus on validating a single device's state and configuration locally.
- Integration tests examine interactions and valid states across multiple devices in the network.
End-to-End Testing Explained
- End-to-end testing validates the entire network path using familiar tools like ping and traceroute.
- It ensures network functionality across devices and helps confirm that integrated components work together.