Dan Wade

Dan Wade, the Network and Infrastructure Automation Practice Lead at BlueAlly, shares his expertise in network testing and validation. He dives into the importance of validation SOPs and automated checks, making testing accessible to non-coders with tools like PyATS and Ansible. The conversation touches on using AI for test ideation and overcoming barriers like tool exhaustion and cultural resistance. Dan emphasizes the need for ownership in problem-solving and highlights the flexibility of PyATS across different network OSes.

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.

This week features Dan Wade, Network Automation Practice Lead at Blue Ally and co-author of a Cisco Press book on network automation. He dives deep into the importance of automated network testing, covering various testing types like unit and integration tests. Dan shares insights on YANG data models and their impact on network management, alongside discussing protocols like NETCONF and RESTCONF. The conversation also highlights the significance of continuous auditing in improving network reliability and operational assurance. A must-listen for tech enthusiasts!