How to Learn Network Automation as a Fresher

Many Networking engineers are in confusion and search for why should they learn network automation or learn how to work with Python, Gits, Linux, and others. We have already discussed network automation and course content you need to go through.

Network automation is a process in which configuration, managing, provision, and testing of network devices through software automatically. It is mainly used to improve efficiency and decrease errors made by humans and is used by mostly enterprises and service providers.

These tools support functions in between the range of basic device discovery and network mapping to more complicated such as the provisioning of virtual network resources and network configuration management.

Network automation helps in SDN (software-defined networking), network orchestration, and network virtualization, allowing automated provisioning of virtual load balancing. With the correct network automation training, engineers can implement automation in their daily tasks.

In this article, we will see how to learn network automation and develop software.

What is Network Automation?

Network automation is the process of using software to automate the configuration, management, testing, and operation of both physical and virtual network devices. This practice enhances operational efficiency by reducing manual intervention, which in turn minimizes human errors and lowers operational costs.

By automating repetitive tasks, organizations can streamline their network operations, improve service availability, and enable faster deployment of new applications.

Practice Network Automation with PythonUse the Python for Network Engineers to practice network automation.Explore course

Benefits of Network Automation

Coming on to the benefits of network automation, there 3 main benefits which are described as follows:

1. Saves time and efficiency: One of the main benefits is it improves efficiency as humans no longer have to operate time-taking tasks by automation functions on network devices.

2. Reduce human error: Working with automation means you need to set up the tasks correctly at once. So, at this place automation is needed where human errors are considered less and the consequence of an incorrect entry or miscalculation can lead to an incomplete task and would be a total waste of time. As we all know manual tasks are prone to human error.

3. Operational expenses become low: This benefit is the combination of the above two items. Businesses, companies, or organizations can operate with greater agility and speed by reducing manual tasks around network devices. Network automation helps users complete their tasks with fewer or no errors and in less time.

How to Learn Network Automation

If you want to learn network automation you should first know its meaning, importance, benefits, and other things. As we have already discussed what network automation is and its benefits we will now discuss how you can learn network automation to save your time, and cost and most importantly improve efficiency without human error.

There are three types of candidates who would be learning network automation i.e. beginners, who know the basics of it, and lastly, candidates who have used a little bit of it.

Learning Network Automation as a Beginner

1. Learning Sequence: Start with Linux, then move on to Ansible, Python, and finally Git. This structured approach will build a solid foundation in network automation.

2. Opportunities: With a desire to learn, mastering these tools opens up numerous opportunities in network automation, especially since Python is favored by Cisco.

3. Caution: Be mindful of the risks; while automation offers benefits, improper use can lead to network issues. Always proceed with care.

Learning Network Automation as Intermediate

1. Hands-On Practice: Begin by installing Linux and Ansible, then practice backing up configuration files or executing simple commands. Gradually increase your complexity with more test devices.

2. Coding Experience: If you have some coding experience, assess your confidence with network automation platforms. This will guide your next steps—whether to deepen your knowledge or practice more.

3. Importance of Python: Python is essential for scripting tasks in networking, reducing manual errors, and improving efficiency. Learning it is crucial for modern network engineers and can greatly enhance your career prospects.

Importance of Network Automation

Let’s discuss the importance of network automation and know the reason why network engineers are asked to learn automation these days. The number of devices both on-site and cloud is increasing at a tremendous rate as the network is getting more and more complicated day by day.

Even we don’t have so much manpower to configure networks without automation today. Now, you can increase your manpower and be aware of automation so that the work can be done without human error and in less period.

Nothing is difficult to learn and Python is just like the English language to read so, focus and start learning network automation which will make your configuring, managing, testing, deploying, and operating easier.

If you decide to expand your network at a scale it will cause problems for you as 95% of network changes are done manually today. Moreover, it is beneficial for you to start learning network automation and make a new start in the field of network.

What to Learn in Network Automation

If you want to learn network automation, you should focus on mastering the following skills:

● How to automate and troubleshoot network configurations with Ansible

● How to use and improve Paramiko and Netmiko for automation with Python

● You will learn and be able to use Ansible, manage Ansible Inventory files, Tasks, Modules for Linux and networking devices, Playbooks, Vaults and YAML Files

● You will learn how to automate the configuration of networking devices with Python 3 in a Multivendor Environment

● You will see real-world examples of network automation scripts with Python for Cisco IOS, Arista EOS, or Linux

● You will learn network programmability with Python, GNS3, and Ansible

● You will learn and apply advanced Python concepts such as Multiprocessing and Multithreading in Network Automation

● You will learn in-depth general Python Programming concepts

● How to improve the existing Python modules and how you can create your modules for networking automation

● Use the NAPALM Python library in a Multivendor Environment

● How to use Telnet and SSH with Python

● You will Master in Python 3 key concepts starting from Scratch

● You will get real-life skills for a good Network of DevOps Engineer

● Learn how to configure network devices with Python using a serial Console Connection