HN723: ‘It’s like Legos’: Developing a Network Automation Framework
Mar 1, 2024
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Exploring the need for a universal network automation framework, developing it like Legos, streamlining complex processes, evolving network automation frameworks with templates and version control, and involving business stakeholders in design decisions for creating a collaborative automation approach.
Developing a network automation framework is like having Legos without instructions, highlighting the need for end-to-end designs and complete systems.
Automating validation tasks through a framework is crucial for ensuring correct implementation of changes without disrupting network services and alleviating human operator burden.
Deep dives
The Importance of Network Automation for Network Stability and Reliability
Automating network changes through a framework is essential for ensuring network stability and reliability, especially as networks become more critical for services. Automation allows engineers to focus on high-value tasks and reduce manual errors, ultimately improving network performance.
Validation as a Crucial Automation Step
Validation, a process often neglected in manual approaches, emerges as a critical automation step to ensure changes are implemented correctly and do not affect network services. Automating validation tasks removes the burden from human operators who may struggle to validate complex networks effectively.
Efficiency and Predictability Through Automation
Automation not only enhances network efficiency but also ensures predictability by eliminating human error in network operations. The framework focuses on shifting traffic efficiently, enabling engineers to conduct maintenance tasks without disrupting network services, thus improving overall reliability.
Simplifying Networks Through Automation Framework
The framework aims to simplify network operations by providing a roadmap for automation that allows engineers to work backwards and avoid potential pitfalls in manual or complex network configurations. By adopting the framework, networks can be made more manageable and offer enhanced scalability and operational efficiency.
Right now, we have the building blocks for network automation, but we don’t have end-to-end designs or complete systems. It’s like having a bunch of Legos but no instructions for how to build your spaceship. Ryan Shaw, David Sinn, and their colleagues in the Network Automation Forum are tackling this problem. Their goal is to... Read more »
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