Introduction

Network automation is the practice of using technology to perform network-related tasks without human involvement. This technology covers a variety of functions, from managing internet traffic to monitoring system health and enhancing security. With time, networks are becoming increasingly complex and require constant updates. Network Automation is a solution that addresses these challenges by using software and tools to automate network management tasks. By automating routine tasks, companies can save time and reduce the risk of human error, ensuring smoother operations.

To help professionals master these skills, a network automation course can provide in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience with automation tools and techniques. In this blog, we will discuss what is network automation, why it is essential, its applications, its functioning, its benefits, the challenges associated with implementing automation, and its future scope.

What is Network automation?

Network automation is the use of technology to automate or perform tasks in a network without human intervention. Imagine a network that can perform routine tasks like adding new devices, monitoring performance, or fixing errors without needing a network administrator to manually make changes. That’s what network automation does!

In simpler terms, network automation uses software tools and scripts to carry out repetitive or complex tasks in a network. Instead of a person sitting in front of a computer and typing commands to configure a router or switch, the software does the work automatically.

It can be used for a variety of tasks, such as:

• Configuring new network devices.
• Monitoring network performance.
• Detecting and fixing security threats.
• Managing traffic flow in a network.

By automating these tasks, businesses can save time, reduce the risk of human error, and focus on more important tasks, like improving customer experience or innovating new products.

Let us now discuss the importance of network automation.

Why is Network Automation Important?

The demand for network automation is increasing day by day. The reason behind it is in recent years, modern networks have become more complex and extensive. Network managers face the major issue of escalating IT expenses related to network operations. The expansion of devices and data exceeds the capability limits of IT teams which leaves manual procedures useless.

The majority of 95 percent of network modifications are handled manually, while operational expenses exceed network expenses by 2 to 3% times. Business maintenance in the digital world requires essential IT automation through central remote management. With automation, one can:

Reduce operational cost

Modern networks demand automated management because managing modern networks manually costs businesses at least two to three times their actual value. A substantial group of experienced engineers needs to dedicate multiple hours to complete basic tasks. It allows engineers to work on vital strategic tasks because it reduces the time spent on regular operations and lowers operational expenses for network systems.

Eliminating scaling issue

The continuous growth pattern of modern networks drives organizations to find solutions for managing their expanded scale. Manually managing networks has become impossible because organizations now handle massive numbers of devices alongside extensive applications serving numerous users. Through automation, network teams effectively handle bigger and more intricate system networks that are beyond the limits of their original workload capacity.

Keep up with the change

Digital environments experience ongoing transformations that network administrators must monitor. Businesses require rapid responses to emerging technologies and security issues while satisfying changing market needs. Rapid technological changes exceed the management capabilities of human operators. Through automation, networks achieve better flexibility and speed of response.

Minimize human errors

Network configurations carried out manually tend to introduce errors due to human operator mistakes. The occurrence of typos and simple misconfigurations results in network outages together with security vulnerabilities and multiple other difficulties. The risk of human mistakes decreases because automated processes implement consistent and correct execution of tasks.

Improving Efficiency

Network efficiency improves substantially because automation enables faster and more efficient operation of network systems. Network engineers can utilize the saved time to work on strategic network tasks like optimization and innovation activities.

Applications of Network Automation

Network automation allows organizations to handle various tasks across different network scenarios, including:

• Configuration Management: The process of automating network device configurations includes routers, switches, and firewalls as part of Configuration Management. Engineers can automate these functions through tasks that involve assigning IP addresses and routing protocol setup in combination with security policy specifications.
• Network Provisioning: Network Provisioning includes automating service delivery for new network services such as virtual machines and cloud storage together with network connections.
• Network Monitoring and Troubleshooting: Performance monitoring for networks and automatic fault diagnosis and resolution operations are also possible through automated processes. Monitoring network activity together with bottleneck detection and outage diagnosis forms part of this process.
• Security Automation: The deployment of security automation tools completes repetitive security functions that include vulnerability assessments and threat alerts alongside incident response protocols. Through automation, organizations attain better security positions while addressing security threats within time.
• Compliance Management: Network compliance management uses automation to verify that systems meet industrial standards and organizational rules. The system performs the generation of reports and audit configurations while enforcing security standards as an integral task for operational management.
• Cloud Networking: The management of networks inside cloud environments becomes automated too. Network administrators use automation to create virtual networks, configure security groups, and handle network load balancers.

Many of us get confused about how network automation works and what small details you must keep in mind to make it work out for you. Let us discuss the workflow of automation.

How does network automation work?

The implementation of network automation depends on various software tools that pair with scripts and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to execute network tasks automatically.

• Define the Task: Begin by selecting specific network automation tasks that you want to implement. The automation process includes various network operations, such as router configuration and network troubleshooting.
• Develop the Automation Workflow: Build the Automation Workflow after defining the needed task by creating a document that describes the automated procedure. The procedure contains sequential orders of commands alongside scripts and API usage.
• Choose the Right Tools: The selection of appropriate automation tools consists of open-source and commercial platform options that are available for automation. Your selection process should include finding appropriate tools that match your requirements without breaking your budget limits.
• Write the Code (or Use a Pre-Built Module): Your tool requirements and programming complexity determine whether you should develop code (generally using Python) for network device interaction. Various tools include ready-made template solutions that reduce automation complexity.
• Test the Automation: Lab testing of automation must occur before implementing it into production networks. Testing your program in a mock environment allows the detection of problems so you can resolve them before implementing them on your network.
• Deploy and Monitor: You can introduce your production network to the automation after confirming it operates without problems. Nevertheless, it remains essential to conduct real-time monitoring of the automated system to check its operational status and find possible problems.
• Iterate and Improve: The practice of network automation exists as an ongoing cycle of development. Regular performance checks of your automation should be followed by ongoing research for ways to enhance their efficiency. You can improve network automation through three types of modifications which include developing additional features, streamlining current operational processes, or establishing interoperability with other systems.

Now that you have a good understanding of how network automation works. But have you ever wondered what tools and programming languages are used for automation? If not, don’t worry! Below, we have explained the tools and programming languages used for automation in detail.

Tools and Languages Used in Network Automation

Several tools and programming languages are commonly used in network automation:

Ansible

Ansible is a popular open-source automation engine that uses YAML for defining automation playbooks. It’s agentless, making it easy to deploy.

Python

A versatile and widely used programming language with a rich ecosystem of libraries for network automation. Libraries like Netmiko, NAPALM, and Paramiko simplify interaction with network devices.

NAPALM (Network Automation and Programmability Abstraction Layer with Multivendor support)

NAPALM is a Python library that provides a unified API for interacting with network devices from different vendors.

Netmiko

Netmiko is a Python library that simplifies connecting to and executing commands on network devices.

Puppet & Chef

Configuration management tools are often used for server automation but are also applicable to network devices.

Terraform

An Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tool that can be used to provision and manage network infrastructure.

REST APIs

Many network devices now offer REST APIs, allowing you to interact with them programmatically using HTTP requests.

Network automation brings new possibilities. Let us discuss some of the benefits of using network automation.

Benefits of Network Automation

Some of the benefits of network automation are:

• Faster Time to Market: Network automation systems help organizations reach the market faster with their new services and applications.
• Enhanced Scalability: The ability to expand network capacity grows naturally through automated systems, which enables smooth performance growth without adding unnecessary costs.
• Reduced Human Error: Automation minimizes human involvement, which leads to lower chances of mistakes and network disruptions.
• Real-Time Monitoring and Insights: Automated tools supply real-time monitoring capabilities, which lets teams find and solve network issues faster.
• Reduced Operational Costs: Network automation reduces operational expenses since it removes manual workflows, which results in better operational performance and efficiency.
• Greater Agility: Organizations using automated networks can respond swiftly to evolving business requirements both for new service deployment and existing service modifications.

Challenges in Implementing Network Automation

Network automation brings many advantages into operation, but establishing its implementation requires organizations to deal with different challenges. Organizations encounter multiple significant obstacles during their network automation process.

• Lack of Skilled Workforce: Some organizations encounter difficulties in implementing network automation because they lack qualified staff who specialize in programming and scripting along with working with automation tools.
• Integration with Legacy Systems: Moving from legacy systems to automated networks involves challenging work because migration requires extended effort and complex processing.
• Change Management: Transitioning to automation demands cultural transformation because IT staff needs to accept new methods of work and different tools.
• Selecting the Right Tools: Businesses face a problem when selecting the appropriate automation tools from a large selection available in the market.

Future of Network Automation

Network automation management demonstrates strong growth potential for the future. Network complexity together with dynamic changes increases the essential requirement for automation in upcoming years.

AI and Machine Learning

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technologies have become vital components for network automation because they offer enhanced capabilities to enhance network performance. The technology allows early identification of network problems while it optimizes system performance and performs security-related automation.

Cloud-Native Networking

Organizations migrating applications to the cloud will lead to rising requirements for cloud-native networking solutions. Cloud-based networks require network automation solutions to function effectively for management purposes.

5G and Edge Computing

The combination of 5G technology and Edge Computing development presents management problems for network administrators. Networks with distributed management systems will require fundamental network automation solutions to maintain their operational performance.

Low-Code/No-Code Automation

The use of tools that let non-programmers perform automation tasks without coding will gain more popularity in the market. Network automation technology will be more accessible to all user types with these developments in the market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is network automation?

Network automation is a process that helps in configuring, testing, and deploying physical as well as virtual devices within the network.

Q2. What is the best network automation tool?

There are many network automation tools. Some of the most important are:

• Ansible
• NAPALM
• Puppet & Chef
• Cisco DNA (Cisco network automation tool)

Q3. What are the four types of automation systems?

The four types of automation systems are:

• Fixed automation
• Programmable automation
• Integrated automation
• Flexible automation

Q4. What is a network automation job description?

A network automation job involves designing, implementing, and managing automated network solutions to enhance efficiency, reliability, and performance.

Conclusion

Network automation is transforming the way networks are managed, making them more efficient, reliable, and secure. By automating repetitive tasks, reducing human error, and improving agility, network automation is helping organizations keep pace with the demands of the digital age.

Become part of network automation and unlock the full potential of your network as well as your career.