Why is Network Automation Important?

In today's rapidly growing world of technology, network automation has emerged as a critical skill for network engineers to succeed in their careers.

Network automation can be defined as performing any network task like configuring network devices automatically using some kind of scripts or software tools. There are several other aspects of network automation including the configuration, management, and monitoring of networks.

In this article, we will discuss why is network automation important for network engineers, to deeply understand the impact of automation training in the networking industry.

Why is Network Automation Important for Network Engineers?

Network automation is important for network engineers for various reasons like increased efficiency and productivity, faster troubleshooting, better security, etc. These reasons are also explained briefly below:

1. Increased Efficiency and Productivity

By automating routine tasks, network engineers can free up time to focus on more complex and strategic projects. Automation also reduces the likelihood of human error, improving the accuracy and reliability of network configurations.

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2. Faster Troubleshooting

There are several network automation tools can help network engineers quickly identify and diagnose problems that reducing the time it takes to troubleshoot network issues.

In real time network monitoring can be performed to detect anomalies and alert network engineers for any potential issues before they become critical.

3. Improved Scalability

When a network continues to grow and become more complex, scalability becomes an increasingly critical consideration for network engineers.

Network automation tools can help network engineers manage larger and more complex networks more efficiently, reducing the workload required to manage them manually.

4. Enhanced Security

Network automation can also help improve network security. Real-time security threats can be detected using automated security tools available in the market that reduce the risk of security breaches.

Additionally, automated security policies and configurations can help ensure consistent security practices across the network.

Network Automation Example Using Python

Here is an example of a Python script that can be used to remotely log in to a Cisco router using SSH and take a configuration backup.

This is just an example there would be almost everything can be done using scrips which reduces the implementation time and effort.

In this script, we use the Paramiko library to establish an SSH connection to the router. We then create a new SSH session and send the commands to save the configuration to a file. Finally, we close the SSH session and connection.

Example 2:

I like to give you another example of simplifying the configuration for devices using scripts (in our case we are using Python. In this example, we will configure BGP on a remote router. This router's IP address is 192.168.1.1 and in AS 65000 needs to advertise a 10.0.0.0/8 network its neighbor IP address is 192.168.2.1 and in AS 65001.

In this example, we first import the ConnectHandler class from the Netmiko library. We then define the device information, including the device type, IP address, and login credentials. 

We use the statement to establish an SSH connection to the device and enter configuration mode using the send_command() method to send the CLI command to configure the terminal. 

We then configure BGP using the send_command() method to send the CLI commands to create a BGP neighbor with a remote AS number, and to advertise a network with its subnet mask.

Finally, we exit configuration mode using the send_command() method to send the CLI commands to the end and write memory to save the configuration changes.

Note that this is just a simple example, and the actual configuration commands may vary depending on the specific requirements of your network.

Conclusion

Network automation is a vital skill for network engineers aiming to advance their careers. As organizations seek to enhance efficiency, productivity, faster troubleshooting, improved scalability, and stronger security in their networking tasks, network automation offers the best solution.

By acquiring network automation skills with our network automation training courses and utilizing tools like Python, engineers can significantly boost their effectiveness and deliver superior service to their organizations.