HN734: Russ White Hour Part 2: Snowflakes and Network Automation
May 17, 2024
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Russ White, network automation expert, discusses the power of network 'snowflakes' in business use cases. Topics include VXLAN/EVPN, network customization, data modeling for automation, comprehensive network automation design certification, and balancing process and architecture in network automation.
Professionals focus on designing modular code structures in network automation systems.
Entry-level training emphasizes operational aspects and architectural thinking in network automation.
Advancement in certification levels involves designing comprehensive automation tools and workflows.
Deep dives
Network Architecture and Certification Training
At the professional and expert levels, the focus shifts towards designing modular code structures and understanding how different modules fit together within an automation system. Professionals are expected to delve into principles of software architecture, data management, and optimizing code reusability, while experts are tasked with conceptualizing the holistic architecture of a network automation platform, considering factors like single source of truth, code modularity, and architectural trade-offs. Certification training encompasses building a collaborative, functional system rather than standalone scripts, emphasizing understanding of data models and architectural decisions.
Operational Focus and Perceiving Architecture
The associate level in network automation training emphasizes operational aspects like modularizing code, using tools effectively, and grasping basic software architecture principles. This entry-level training aims to cultivate an understanding of existing automation processes and tools, while instilling the importance of architectural thinking even at a foundational level. As individuals progress to professional and expert levels, they transition from operational execution to perceiving and shaping architectural decisions within network automation systems.
Tooling and Workflow Integration
As individuals advance through different certification levels in network automation, they are expected to progress from utilizing existing tooling and following established workflows at the associate level to designing and setting up tools and workflows themselves at the professional level. Mastery at the expert level involves strategizing and deploying tools, workflows, pipelines, and code structures in a comprehensive manner, considering aspects like modularity, reusability, data management, and functional architecture.
Moving from Process to Architecture
An overarching theme in network automation certification training is the transition from focusing on processes to understanding architecture and system design. While entry-level training often revolves around executing predefined processes and operations, higher-level certifications entail conceptualizing, designing, and implementing architecture within automation systems. This shift necessitates a shift in mindset from task-oriented process facilitation to building a cohesive, collaborative automation infrastructure.
Future Trends: AI Assistance and Architectural Thinking
In navigating the complexities of network automation and certification training, critical considerations emerge around the impact of AI assistance and the necessity of prioritizing architectural thinking. As the field evolves, individuals must strike a balance between leveraging AI tools for operational efficiencies while honing their architectural abilities to design, implement, and maintain robust automation systems. This dual focus ensures a holistic approach to network automation training that encompasses both efficient execution and strategic system development.
Welcome to the second part of our interview with friend of the podcast, Russ White. We start our conversation with a listener question about VXLAN/EVPN which acts as a springboard for what Russ really thinks about network engineering these days. He defends network snowflakes, championing their power in business use cases. He questions the merit... Read more »
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